It was really such a bad version of the dying young scenario. To understand this take a look at the following movies:
1- Me and Earl and the dying girl (2015)
2- fault in our stars (2014)
3- restless (2011)
4- Now is good (2012)
5- The spectacular now (2013)
6- A walk to remember (2002)
even
7- All the Bright Places (2020)