MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Facing the death of a loved one is never easy, but one Twin Cities family is pulling together to get through it and raise awareness about a rare and deadly form of cancer.

Seventeen-year-old Zach Sobiech was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2009.

“Probably over 100 days in the hospital, 10 surgeries, 20 rounds of chemo,” Sobiech said. “So it’s been a long haul.”

He was told this past summer he had months to live, but Zach has remained hopeful, even writing a song “Clouds.” He pulled down a songwriting contract as a result.

His mother Laura Sobiech says it’s been tough.

“From the moment we heard the word tumor, I thought ‘Oh, God is watching us,’” she said.

Zach Sobiech has helped raise nearly $50,000 to be used to try to find a cure. To donate, click here.