There’s an old saying that states, “people are in your life for a season, a reason or a lifetime.” Most of those who come across our life who are memorable, usually have had some sort of impact on our lives. For some former students of Morgan Park High School choir, it was their teacher Gabrielyn Watson, that helped show them another way of life.
There’s a recent video of a reunion between Watson and her old students that was brought together by Kleenex. That video went live Thursday afternoon and features Watson returning to school after a fight against multiple myeloma. She successfully battled the cancer after seven months of treatment.
Multiple myeloma is cancer that starts in the plasma cells in bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bones. It helps make blood cells.
Plasma cells help your body fight infection by producing proteins called antibodies. With multiple myeloma, plasma cells grow out of control in the bone marrow and form tumors in the areas of solid bone. The growth of these bone tumors weakens the solid bones and also makes it harder for the bone marrow to make healthy blood cells and platelets.
READ: Young, Black & Living With Mutiple Myeloma — Here’s My Story
Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United States and affects African Americans twice as much as anyone else.
Upon her return to the school, Watson was surprised by a visit from her former student and “American Idol” season 10 finalist Peter Frank, who greeted his beloved teacher with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Soon more of Watson’s students appeared from within the school’s hallway, joining in the chorus. Eventually, the Chicago Public Schools teacher herself began to sing along in an emotional moment captured on video.
“It’s just great to feel loved and know that what you do matters.”
Take a look at the video above, be sure to get your tissues ready…you’re going to need them.