Emotional Moment Dad Has Last Cuddle With Toddler Before Arm Amputation

A man's final hug with his son before having his arm amputated has pulled at social media users' heartstrings. Shaun Lemberg, 32, was diagnosed with sarcoma in May 2024 following the discovery of a large tumor. He started treatment a month later and went on to complete six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by five weeks of radiation. Lemberg's wife Isla, 27, told Newsweek that the tumor was found in his chest, under the pectoral muscle. The case was complicated further as it went through the main artery supplying blood to his right arm, she said. Unfortunately, the months of grueling treatment were unsuccessful and the last option was to amputate Shaun's entire arm.

"The surgeon tried to think of how he might be able to get rid of the tumor while keeping the arm, but ultimately he couldn't guarantee he would be able to remove all of the cancer if he kept the arm," Isla, from Tauranga, New Zealand, said. "With this type of cancer, if you don't get it all out in one go, it will just keep growing back. It's a very dangerous and aggressive cancer, so the best option was to do whatever they could to get it all out," she added. In the moments before the amputation surgery on January 29 this year, Shaun got to have one last hug with his 17-month-old son Archie. The dad-of-two embraced his youngest son and held him aloft before the life-changing surgery. While Shaun was "at peace" with his decision to go through with the amputation, it was still an incredibly emotional moment for the family, his wife said. "It meant everything to him to be able to lift Archie up and see him smile. It gives him the motivation to get through anything," Isla said. "I felt very emotional watching it happen, but so proud of my brave and courageous husband." Thankfully, Shaun's recovery is going well and he's adapting to his new normal. Sons Archie and Ezra are fascinated by their dad's new appearance.

Social Media Reacts

Posting to TikTok under her handle @islarachael, Isla shared the heartwarming footage of Shaun holding Archie with two arms "for the last time"—and it has left viewers emotional. In just a matter of days, the video has amassed over 535,600 views and 24,300 likes on the social media platform. The overwhelmingly positive response has helped Isla connect with many others who have had similar experiences and she's grateful for the support. Isla said: "Shaun truly has had the most positive and incredible mindset throughout this whole process. He's the bravest, strongest, most incredible man and always does his best for our family. "The surgeon thought he may have to cut into some of his ribs and his lung, but fortunately he didn't have to cut into his chest wall. That makes it a much easier recovery. He's still a bit sore and the kids tire him out at times, but he's happy to be home and doing well." In the weeks since Shaun's surgery, Isla has shared more videos of her husband adapting. It may not be the same as before, but he can certainly still hug and hold his children with one arm. Many TikTok users hailed Shaun's bravery. One said: "That really is one of the hardest moments ever. I remember vividly watching them roll my baby down the hall to surgery." Another person wrote: "Dads don't get enough credit for being strong for the kids and us, even while their heart is breaking themselves, they carry all our heart on them." While another said: "it'll just be a different kind of huggle." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.