Chicago Cubs

Boy Battling Brain Tumor ‘Surprised' By Unique Gift From Cubs

A muralist paired up with the Chicago Cubs to make life brighter for a Darien boy battling a difficult diagnosis--and the end result was a grand slam.

Joey Ventimiglia, 7, was diagnosed a year ago with DLPG--an aggressive and hard to treat brain tumor.

During treatment, his parents decided to redecorate his room with a Cubs mural.

“I was just surprised,” Joey told NBC 5.

After his latest round of treatment, Joey came home to his room transformed. But even greater was the surprise waiting on his closet doors: autographs from the 2017 Cubs.

“It was cool,” he said.

“He will just sit in there," Joey's father, Joe, said. "He loves hanging out and playing his games and looking at his room.”

It’s complete with a seven-foot Cubs logo, outfield wall covered in ivy and a "W" flag on the ceiling.

Muralist Ken Markiewicz helped get the doors signed.

Ken markiewicz- muralist, crayons gone wild

“I was speechless," Markiewicz said. "I mean to have them--everything that they’re doing--to take the time to just stop, take a look at it and actually sign it. And there’s so many signatures on it. It’s just unbelievable of them.”

Batting gloves are displayed proudly on Joey’s wall.

“We’re so grateful and so thankful to each of them,” said mother Carolynn.

A grateful Joey told NBC 5 he wishes his favorite team the best of luck this season.

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