STATEN ISLAND, New York -- A fourth grade teacher fighting breast cancer inspired her students to sing their hearts out. The chorus at PS 22 in New York wanted to make sure their teacher Adriana Lopez knew how much she meant to them, according to WCBS in New York. They performed the song "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" for her at the end of the school year. Video of the performance was recently posted online and has since gone viral.
"She's very strong, she's very courageous, she never gives up," 12-year-old student Justin Lanzo said.
Lopez, who was diagnosed with cancer in January and went through her latest round of chemo last week, said the students' surprise serenade was something she would remember forever.
"I love them so much and I can't thank them enough, I will always always treasure that moment," Lopez said.
Chorus Director Gregg Breinberg said Lopez has showed amazing strength during her cancer battle.
"She's the first one in the building, she's the last one to leave, she's so dedicated to her students," Breinberg said.
The emotional performance moved Lopez to tears.
"I was going to cry myself because I was trying to hold back my tears," 10-year-old student Gabrielle Foster said.
"She's really hopeful and she's going to fight for it and she's going to go through it but she's not alone because we're going to help her," 10-year-old student Rachel Ildefonso added.
Video of the performance made it back to the song's original singer. Martina McBride tweeted out a message of thanks and love to the school chorus and Adriana Lopez.
