Students sing to teacher battling stage 4 cancer in heartwarming moment outside Milwaukee hospital

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Big Bend teacher battling stage 4 cancer received a heartwarming surprise from her young students. 

For 45 years, Carol Mack has taught generations of students and continued to teach while battling cancer this school year at Christ Lutheran School in Big Bend. 

According to a news release from Aurora Health Care, Mack's cancer has advanced and instead of returning to her classroom, she needs hospice care. 

Before moving to hospice, one of Mack's fellow teachers and friends thought it would be great if Mack and her students could see each other again. With the help of Aurora St. Luke’s, Mack’s care team and the school, this was made possible.

Wednesday morning, Nov. 3, 26 1st through 4th graders lined up outside the hospital entrance. Mack was there to greet her current and former students, including some of their parents whom she also taught, and hear the kids sing worship songs to her before saying goodbye. 

Video captured the special moment. 

“It was overwhelming and very special. I hope people see how much these kids and their teacher loved each other and how our school community came together,” said Mack.

Mack's care team at Aurora St. Luke's said they were happy to be part of the special moment. 

“She didn’t have children of her own but has more kids than she could ever count. To see so much love coming back to somebody that is so selfless and deserving, it is a true blessing," said Nicole Bartnik, occupational therapist, Aurora St. Luke’s and church member.

“When I saw her and the kids singing, it was the most rewarding thing. We were very lucky to be a part of that. It was the most beautiful, touching thing," said Luiza Campols, RN on Carol’s care team, Aurora St. Luke’s.