If given only months to live, what would you do? Zach Sobiech’s response: embrace every day with hope and joy. And that’s just what he is doing.

Meet Zach Sobiech, a 17-year-old from Lakeland, Minnesota who has been battling cancer for 3 years.

His journey started in November 2009, when Zach was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer most typically found in the long bones of growing teenagers.

At the end of May 2012, following many surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and ups and downs, he was given the news there were no know effective treatments left.

So now, Zach is saying goodbye to his friends and family through music – writing and performing songs like “Clouds.”

Some days are harder than others, but Zach remains upbeat and positive.

Health Talk wants to thank University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital, Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Woolly Rhino Productions for sharing Zach’s story with us. We hope our readers continue to spread the message of hope and joy. 

We here at Health Talk are big fans of good news.  If you’re the same way, let us share the story of Lauren Hood, a 2-year-old little girl from Michigan.

Last night, WCCO offered a touching look at Lauren’s experience at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children’s Hospital where she’s recovering from a bone marrow transplant for a very rare but very serious medical condition.

According to the WCCO report from reporter James Schugel:

“Lauren Hood came to the Twin Cities from Michigan to treat a rare, potentially deadly disorder called Hurler Syndrome. She’s missing an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars in her body. If left untreated, sugars will accumulate in her body and cause bone, cardiac and other medical issues.”

Children diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome need treatment in the form of a bone marrow transplant by around age 10 or the condition can be fatal.  Lauren arrived at Amplatz Children’s Hospital when her first transplant didn’t work.

Lauren’s doctor, University of Minnesota Physician pediatric bone marrow transplant expert Paul Orchard, M.D., an associate professor in the University of Minnesota Medical School, explained the purpose of the transplant to WCCO:

“The concept with the transplant is to eliminate the immune system’s blood producing cells…and replace them with normal, healthy blood cells,” said Orchard, who added that the healthy cells then provide patients the enzyme needed to break down complex sugars.

Doctors at Amplatz have treated more than 100 children with Hurler’s Syndrome.  For those wondering what’s next for Lauren, she will need to return to the Twin Cities for check ups, but should recover going forward.