In April 2016, Amos Abplanalp was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Over the last year and a half, his courageous fight has gained national attention thanks to his daughter, Evie. Evie is a contestant on ABC’s hit reality show, America’s Got Talent. She’s made it to the finals and dedicated each of her performances to her father. Days after her semifinal performance, Amos passed away surrounded by family.
Hillary, Evie’s mother, and Amos’ wife shared the following thoughts on their family website:
Grandma picked up the kids from school and brought them to the hospital. The nurses were so kind to prepare refreshments for our kids.
When our faithful children arrived we explained the situation and asked for their council in making this decision. They all agreed with tear filled eyes. We gave them each time alone with dad before turning off life-sustaining machines.
We watched him take his last breaths as he continued to breathe for about 15 minutes on his own. The children burst into tears but are now at home laughing at old home movies of daddy and remembering our great love for the most wonderful man any of us have ever known.
We find constant peace and joy in the knowledge that Jesus Christ paid the price of death so that it has no lasting victory. We will be with Amos again and we feel he can now be with us without the restrictions of his mortal body. Our faith in the Savior has grown today and our family has been strengthened forever.
Of Evie’s journey on America’s Got Talent, Hillary wrote of the complete support offered by the show’s staff.
America’s Got Talent made arrangements to get us home immediately after the live results show tonight rather than tomorrow as planned. We are so thankful to them for their kindness and understanding. Simon isn’t the only one who gets emotional about Evie Clair. Dozens of producers and staff members are going through this challenge with us and we love them for it.
Evie released this statement on Twitter:
I will forever miss my sweet Daddy and cherish the last few moments I had with him, holding his hand, before the end. Love you lots!❤️
— Evie Clair (@evieclair) September 8, 2017
