YHS Freshman Makes Music Video Inspired By Mom's Breast Cancer Battle

Editor's note: This article, originally posted Feb. 8, was updated about 7 p.m. Feb. 10, with the YouTube video imbedded.

Life has been a little bit hectic for Anna Schleitwiler lately.

The freshman has been juggling her budding singing career with school work, family and friends.

This Friday, she will release her first professional music video for her song, You Survived the Cancer, which she wrote in honor of her mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago.

Recently, Anna found out she will be traveling to meet with two prominent record labels. Last December, her family accompanied Anna to Los Angeles where she worked with multi-platinum producer Ramone Worldwide and recorded in the world famous Paramount Studio C. In January, she returned to Los Angeles to film the music video.

“It’s surreal,” Anna said. “I can’t really believe it’s happening. I guess I just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.”

Anna said she aimed to inspire when she penned the song lyrics to You Survived the Cancer.

“I feel like it will touch a lot of people because everyone knows somebody or has lost somebody or has seen somebody fight it,” she said. “A lot of songs will rip your heart out and make you cry because they’re so sad. I wanted to write a positive song.”

Mother Julie Schleitwiler said several different cancer organizations have shown an interest in using her daughter’s song. The Schleitwilers plan to establish a charity so half the proceeds can be donated in support of cancer research.

Last summer proved to be just as busy for Anna when she completed a six-day trip east with the Elgin Children’s Chorus, including . While at Juilliard, several of the students including Anna had the opportunity for solo instruction by the operatic soprano, who not only teaches at Juilliard but is also a graduate.

Dan and Julie Schleitwiler are proud of their daughter. They are looking forward to meeting with the record label.

"First she's at Juilliard, then this happens," Julie Schleitwiler said. “It’s incredibly exciting as a parent but also incredibly frightening. You just gotta give it up to your faith and hope that’s enough to carry you through.”