Hollywood Popular Artists

May 22nd 2013, 16:45

Usually bands inspire the teenagers who come to their shows, but sometimes it works the other way around. Imagine Dragons met Tyler Robinson at one of their shows, and the band was so impressed with the young man's struggle with cancer that they dedicated a song to him. Robinson passed away in March, but Imagine Dragons made sure they honored the teen's memory by creating a foundation in his name.

Robinson had been battling Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, since the age of 16. One of the lyrics that got him through his treatments was a line from the band's song "It's Time" -- the "road to heaven runs through miles of clouded hell."  If you've watched the band's video "Demons," you've probably heard of Robinson's name; the band did dedicate the song to him after all. But fans are just now getting to see the connection the band shared with the teen, whom they met after a small show.

Guitarist Wayne Sermon recalls, "We found out after the show that he had been battling cancer for a while. We met with him and were instantly struck by his character." The group created the Tyler Robinson Foundation, Sermon said, because they want "to use his name to spread a positive message. We felt like that was the right thing to do." According to its website, the foundation is "dedicated to providing financial assistance to families with children battling cancer."

Although Robinson is no longer here, his memory lives on in the hearts of many -- including Imagine Dragons. Watch the band's video below, which includes footage from the concert where the band first met Tyler.

+ Watch Imagine Dragons "Demons"

For more information on how to take a stand in the fight against cancer, check out the action widgets below.

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