Photojournalist Andrew Youssef was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2011. Despite his illness, Youssef still maintained his love for live music, sticking to his rigorous schedule that included shooting the likes of Black Sabbath, Depeche Mode and more. Unfortunately, after a nearly three-year battle, doctors recently told Youssef that he only has weeks to a few months to live.

A band he’s sought comfort in since his final diagnosis is Nine Inch Nails, seeing them live numerous times as well as detailing his experience along with intimate details on his battle with cancer for OC Weekly. You can (and should) also read Youssef’s emotional write-up on NIN’s set from Outside Lands on OC Weekly.

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor got wind of Youssef’s story and began following him on Twitter, inviting him and his brother to shows as well as dining with Youssef at band rehearsals. Reznor and Youssef became friends, which brings us to Nine Inch Nails’ show last night in Las Vegas, NV. While Youssef had planned to make the show, he heeded his doctor’s advice and unfortunately wasn’t able to make it.

The night began with a tweet from Reznor to Youssef (which you can see below) and then continued into the show as Reznor pulled out his iPhone during the encore and Facetime’d Youssef for thousands to see. The crowd chanted “Andrew! Andrew!” while Reznor and the band said hello to their friend. In the final act of supreme kindness, Nine Inch Nails dedicated “In This Twilight” to Youssef. A fitting song as it also bears the title of one of Youssef’s most heartbreaking entries.

Watch the video of Reznor speaking about his friend as well as the performance below. And be sure to follow Andrew Youssef on Twitter as well as his entries at OC Weekly.

@trent_reznor Completely humbled. I can’t thank you and @nineinchnails enough. I wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for you.

— Amateur Chemist (@Amateurchemist) November 16, 2013