A heartbreaking YouTube video this week of a father singing a Beatles song to his dying son has gone viral with millions of hits, leaving people touched all around the world.
The video, entitled "Blackbird with Lennon," has gathered over 8 million hits on YouTube. It shows Chris Picco, a musician and recording artist associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church according to a Long Beach Press Telegram report, singing "Blackbird" to his premature newborn son, Lennon, a few days after his wife Ashley Picco delivered their son in hospital and suddenly passed away.
"He was dressed in an outfit that Ashley bought for him, with little guitars on it, and wrapped in a blanket made by a dear friend," Picco wrote in a letter posted on the family's donation page. "I am so thankful for the four unforgettable days I got to spend with him."
According to the Los Angeles Times, Picco asked permission from the nurses to play songs for his newborn while he was in the womb.
"During the pregnancy, Ashley would often feel Lennon moving to music so Chris asked if he could bring his guitar into the NICU and play for Lennon, which he did for several hours during the last days of Lennon's precious life," the YouTube video statement noted.
Lennon's delivery was quite harrowing. In addition to the newborn's own medical issues, a report from the Huffington Post noted that Ashley was 24 weeks pregnant and had to undergo an emergency C-section at a Loma Linda hospital because of an undisclosed medical emergency, which eventually led to her sudden death.
"Lennon's lack of movement and brain activity was a constant concern for the doctors and nurses at Loma Linda University Hospital, where he received the absolute best care available," the YouTube video statement noted.
The statement added that Lennon died a day in his father's arms after the video was made by a family friend.
According to the memorial webpage set up by the Picco family, Ashley is survived by her parents, grandparents, a brother, and other extended family members.
A CBS News report says that Loma Linda University Church and Garden Pediatrics have set up a memorial fund with a goal to raise $50,000 to help pay for Picco's medical expenses. That fund has gathered over $120,000 in donations so far.
Donations and prayers can be sent through the memorial webpage. The website also mentioned that the memorial service will be held tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed online during that time.
