Viral photo captures cancer patient meeting newborn son

John Garcia Image
Monday, October 3, 2016
First meeting of dad, newborn son
A photographer captured the moment that Glen Ellyn native Cagney Wenk, who has stage 4 cancer, met his newborn son.

A heart-warming image of Cagney Wenk meeting his newborn son for the first time has been seen around the world.

The west suburban Glen Ellyn native is fighting stage 4 cancer. And it was a miracle that doctors were able to arrange for him to witness his son's birth.

"That was the greatest moment of my life and I feel so grateful," Wenk said.

Wenk was diagnosed with cancer in the center of his brain just a couple weeks before his fiancé, Jessica Li, was due to deliver their son.

He has been living in Boulder, Colo., undergoing treatment on a different floor of the hospital when Li went into labor.

The doctors had to arrange a way to move all the equipment that Wenk needed to the maternity room where the baby -- named Levon -- was born.

Photographer Sarah Boccolucci chronicled the experience, and the pictures and story have touched millions.

"Sometimes it's a bit overwhelming because I want to focus all my energy here on healing and my baby, but I've received messages from all across the globe," Wenk said.

Baby Levon is doing well, but the prognosis for dad is less than optimistic.

Wenk is battling an aggressive tumor, but the family is trying to focus on positive energy.

"I'm feeling very happy and positive," Wenk said.

Wenk still has a few weeks of radiation treatment, then he hopes to bring his fiance and newborn baby back to Chicago for a visit to his hometown.

To contribute to help Wenk and his family, visit: https://pages.giveforward.com/medical/page-vm8rbq2/