Fall River Photographer Steps Up for Teen Battling Leukemia

If there's one thing I've learned about the people here on the SouthCoast, it's that when one of our own is facing something unimaginably tough, we step up to lend a hand.

Fall River freshman Wesley Araujo, a standout multi-sport athlete excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Since starting chemotherapy on January 26, he’s been spending much of his time at Hasbro Children’s Hospital preparing for what will likely be months of treatment and recovery.

It’s the kind of news that hits hard, especially for families involved in youth sports, where kids grow up together on fields and courts and quickly become extended family.

Turning Talent Into Support

That’s exactly why Westport photographer Alyssa Venancio of Eleven Sixteen Studio & Co. decided she couldn’t just sit back. As a sports mom herself – with a son who plays baseball and looks up to Wes – this story hit close to home.

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Venancio describes Wes as not only an incredible athlete but an even better kid, someone with a natural light and strength that people gravitate toward. She firmly believes those same qualities that helped him shine in sports will help carry him through this fight.

So she’s using what she knows best, photography, to give back.

How the Giveaway Helps Wes

She’s launched a Team Sports Session Giveaway for Wes (#WesStrong), where every dollar raised will go directly to Wesley and his family to help offset the heavy financial and emotional toll that comes with long hospital stays, treatments, and missed work.

The giveaway includes a full sports photo session valued at more than $2,000. The winning entry can use it for their own child or donate it to an entire team (up to 12 players), which honestly makes the gesture even more special.

Each $25 donation counts as one entry, and anyone interested can message Venancio directly on Facebook for details. She plans to announce the winner on Monday, February 9.

A Community Rallying Around Wes

Lastly, as she put it so perfectly, this isn’t really about winning photos. It’s about rallying around a family the same way we rally around our kids under Friday night lights, in packed gyms, or on spring baseball diamonds.

Sometimes what people need most isn’t just medicine. It’s knowing their community is right there beside them.

Right now, that community is standing strong for Wes.