School chorus brings cancer-stricken teacher to tears with tribute song

WABC logo
Thursday, July 23, 2015
The PS22 Chorus brought their teacher, Adriana Lopez, to tears as they dedicated their last performance to her.
creativeContent-PS22 Chorus/YouTube

The Public School 22 chorus in Staten Island, N.Y., a nationally renown musical sensation comprised entirely of 5th graders, dedicated their final song of the year to their teacher battling breast cancer.

The PS22 Chorus has long had a ritual where the last song of the last practice of the year is always sung by Chorus Director Gregg Breinberg and the students.

"But this year we thought it would be a little extra special since we are so inspired by your fighting spirit that we wanted to give something back to you," said Breinberg in the video to teacher Adriana Lopez.

Lopez immediately burst into tears as the children sang their cover of "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" by Martina McBride.

Excerpt Lyrics:







Breinberg described Lopez to ABC as an "incredible person," and wanted to give her something that would help her in her fight.

At the end of their performance, the 5th graders and Breinberg presented Lopez with pink roses. Though sobs, Lopez thanked the children for their touching tribute.

"It's not easy but I will get through it because I have wonderful friends at this school," Lopez said afterwards.

The PS22 Chorus has famously performed with the likes of Katy Perry and Jennifer Hudson, and has even performed for President Barack Obama at the White House.