Elementary school chorus sings to teacher with cancer

Grab your tissues, because famous Staten Island, N.Y., PS22 chorus has done it again.

This time, the talented troupe of fifth graders, which has been enchanting crowds since 2000 (and eliciting fanfare from celebrities since a 2007 performance with Tori Amos, put the spotlight on their teacher Adriana Lopez, who is battling breast cancer.

As the last song of the year at their last practice, chorus director Gregg Breinberg, speaking to Lopez, says the group was “so inspired by your fighting spirit” that they decided to sing her the song. The touching performance has garnered more than a million views on YouTube.

PS22 Chorus shared a special moment with one of our friends and favorite teachers, Mrs. Adriana Lopez, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. This song was suggested by Ms. Lisa for our dedication to this strong and inspiring woman, and it’s hard to imagine a more perfect selection…

As Lopez sits in the bleachers with tissues (which, believe me, you’re also going to need as you watch it), they serenade her with I’m Gonna Love You Through It by Martina McBride. In perfect harmony, they deliver the ballad to her, with lyrics like “When you’re weak, I’ll be strong, when you let go, I’ll hold on.”

During the bridge, the kids hold up flowers. (Seriously, get tissues.)

When the song is over, Lopez says, “Thank you for this special moment. It was wonderful, and it’s not easy and I will get through it because I have wonderful friends at this school.”

And then they all hug her, because of course they do, they’re precocious talented fifth graders.

It’s sweet… cute… and kind of perfect.

Written by Lindsay Deutsch and published by USA Today ~ July 23, 2015.

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