Cancer-stricken reptile enthusiast, YouTuber posts emotional goodbye video

A reptile enthusiast known for his wildlife videos posted a goodbye video on YouTube as he prepares to enter hospice care due to a battle with pancreatic cancer. Brian Barczyk, 54, shared a 16-minute montage of his beloved animal videos bearing the title This is Goodbye as he signed off for the final time.

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A reptile enthusiast known for his wildlife videos posted a goodbye video on YouTube as he prepares to enter hospice care due to a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Brian Barczyk, 54, shared a 16-minute montage of his beloved animal videos bearing the title “This is Goodbye” as he signed off for the final time.

“It’s been an amazing journey, one that has changed my life like you can’t believe,” the YouTuber said as he appeared to struggle to breathe.

Barczyk thanked his 5.25 million followers for visiting his reptile zoo in Michigan and for supporting his work.

The YouTuber, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer nearly a year ago, said his team will continue to post videos on his behalf after his death.

“This last year has been difficult with my cancer, with the ups and downs of treatment,” he said. “We really thought we could beat this.”

He revealed he was going into hospice last week, but told fans not to worry about his death as he “had Jesus” and was going to “spend eternity in Heaven.”

Brian Barczyk, 54, shared a 16-minute montage, titled “This is Goodbye,” of his past videos as he signed off for the final time. “It’s been an amazing journey, one that has changed my life like you can’t believe,” the YouTuber said as he appeared to struggle to breathe. Brian Barczyk/YouTube
The YouTuber, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer nearly a year ago, said his team will continue to post videos on his behalf after his death. Brian Barczyk/Facebook

“I’m going to be able to look down on the legacy, I’m going to be able to look down on my family, and everyone who I love. I’m the lucky one,” he told fans.

“I’m ready, guys. It was a tough year,” he said through tears. “It was so painful, the pain was incredible, the sickness was incredible, the treatment was incredible, everything about it was so bad.”

Just days before filming the video, Barczyk had been admitted to the hospital and said he “knew this was it” after suffering from a couple of strokes and vision loss, among other ailments.

“I’m telling you, I’m a tough person, and I don’t know how people get through it,” he said. “I just wanted to come to you to say goodbye and tell you I love you so much for doing the things you did for me.”

“This last year has been difficult with my cancer, with the ups and downs of treatment,” he said. “We really thought we could beat this.” He revealed he was going into hospice last week. Brian Barczyk/Facebook
“I’m ready, guys. It was a tough year,” he said through tears. “It was so painful, the pain was incredible, the sickness was incredible, the treatment was incredible, everything about it was so bad.” Brian Barczyk/Facebook

He also thanked his wife for supporting him in his “end days” and said the LegaSea Aquarium is also her legacy. His newest venture, the LegaSea Aquarium, is still set to open by March, despite Barcyzk not being able to make it.

“I’m not going to be there to see the opening,” he said. “Unfortunately, you won’t see me in the future.”

In the montage, one of his previous videos shows him saying: “You never die until the last person speaks your name,” and Barczyk is hoping his legacy continues through his aquarium.

Fans were heartbroken in the comment section, with one revealing that they were “sobbing” after watching the video.

“Thank you, Brian, for all that you’ve done for herpetology! I love you, man. You’re an inspiration to us all,” they wrote.

Another wrote: “I have watched Brian’s videos for years and I am sitting here at 1:20 a.m. crying as if he was my personal friend! Rest in peace Brian! Take your rest!”

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