A Heartbreaking 'Happy Birthday' Video Goes Viral as Husband and Wife Realize It's His Last (Exclusive)

Amanda Schlick shares the emotional last birthday celebration for her husband Josh, who was facing stomach cancer, in a bittersweet TikTok

Amanda Schlick Josh Schlick and his children on his 48th birthday

Amanda Schlick

Josh Schlick and his children on his 48th birthday
  • Amanda Schlick shared an emotional TikTok of her husband Josh's final birthday before his death from stomach cancer

  • Josh was a dedicated police officer for 17 years, 15 of those as a sergeant

  • His family and community honored Josh's memory with a plaque in front of the police station he worked at, plus a scholarship in his honor

A very bittersweet birthday celebration struck a chord with many on TikTok.

In a now-viral video, Amanda Schlick shares the heart-wrenching moment she and her three kids celebrate her husband’s final birthday before his death from stomach cancer.

The TikTok depicts Amanda attempting to sing “Happy Birthday” to Josh on his 48th birthday. Her voice falters as the weight of reality overwhelms her, as she knew it would be the last time she’d sing those familiar words to him. Josh senses her distress as he subtly acknowledges the unspoken sadness between them on camera.

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Nonetheless, Josh keeps a brave face for his kids as he blows out the candles to his donut cake. “Everyone gets a donut birthday cake for breakfast on their birthdays. And so, he actually got another birthday cake later on that day,” Amanda tells PEOPLE.

Before his death, Josh worked as a police officer for 17 years, a sergeant for 15 of them. Not long ago, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stomach cancer, which progressed rapidly, leaving the family little time to process the turn of events.

Related: One Day Before She Died of Cancer, TikToker Deborah Finck Watched Daughter Try on Wedding Dresses: 'Will Remember Forever'

“He only had symptoms for about a month,” Amanda recounts. “It just started with some pain under his midline ribcage and we thought it might’ve been an ulcer he got from working his job or something like that.”

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“Then it turned out to be cancer. Within six to seven months, he had lost like 100 pounds,” she continues. ”He just really didn’t have a chance. It was a fast-moving cancer.” The rapid progression of Josh’s illness took a toll on their family life. Amanda shares, “He went from being a really active father to just going to the basement to watch TV because he didn’t feel like doing anything.”

Amanda Schlick Josh and Amanda Schlick with their children

Amanda Schlick

Josh and Amanda Schlick with their children

Josh died on Jan. 2, 2024. Amanda remembers her husband of two decades as “a fun-loving, happy guy” who was well-liked by everyone. “He had a good sense of humor. He was funny and loved to tell dad jokes and was all-around a good guy,” she shares.

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In the wake of Josh’s death, the community gathered together to honor his memory. A plaque was placed in front of the police department he worked at for most of his professional life. Additionally, a memorial scholarship was created to benefit those who wish to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Amanda ultimately chose to share her experience on TikTok, where it resonated deeply with many. At first, she was hesitant about telling such a personal story, but has found solace in the fact that many can relate to her.

Related: High School Sweethearts Welcome First Child — Then Husband's Terminal Brain Cancer Diagnosis Changes Everything (Exclusive)

Amanda Schlick Amanda Schlick and kids in front of Josh Schlick's plaque

Amanda Schlick

Amanda Schlick and kids in front of Josh Schlick's plaque

"Everyone had put their sad stories in and they all knew somebody who had cancer. I think that’s why TikTok resonates with so many people,” she shares.

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She hopes by sharing Josh's experience, others might be more proactive about their health, as well. “I hope it’s raised a little bit of awareness for stomach cancer,” she shares. “Maybe that video helps some people get checked and [they] won’t take their stomach troubles lightly.”

As the Schlick family navigates life without Josh, Amanda offers her perspective on grief, saying, “You don’t move on, you just move forward. Because you can move forward in your life and you still have that grief in your heart, but you just go on because life is for the living.”

Read the original article on People