Hong Kong–Actor Sunny Wong, 58, and his wife, Lily Chan, recently appeared on the variety program Happy Party in a frank interview about their challenging, yet ultimately successful, decision to welcome a second daughter later in life. The couple, already parents to daughter Chloe, detailed the emotional and physical toll of pursuing conception through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and navigating a prior miscarriage, a journey culminated by the birth of their second daughter, Kora, in August.
During the television appearance hosted by Nancy Sit, Si Man, and Fan Chun Fung, the couple spoke candidly about the factors that spurred their desire for a second child, despite being near the age of 60. Chan revealed that their initial attempt to expand their family was tragically interrupted by a miscarriage, an event made more painful because their older daughter, Chloe, had eagerly anticipated becoming a big sister.
“Chloe used to tell me, ‘My classmates have younger siblings, why don’t I?’” Chan recounted. The family’s excitement turned to devastation when, at just 10 weeks, a prenatal check-up revealed the fetus had no heartbeat. This profound loss led them to consider whether to try again, a decision heavily influenced by medical advice.
Following the miscarriage, doctors provided a ray of hope, offering advanced reproductive options. Chan quoted the physician: “If you are truly intent on trying again, we have methods to help you.”
This encouragement prompted a family discussion that included Chloe. The couple emphasized the importance of transparency, stating they did not want to surprise their eldest child with a new sibling. Considering the significant stress involved—financial, physical, and psychological—they made the difficult decision to proceed with IVF.
Chan stressed that the path to conception was far from easy, correcting the common misconception that their late-in-life successful delivery was simple. “Many people think it was easy for me. Regrettably, it was not. I was lucky to succeed on my second attempt,” she emphasized, noting that some individuals undergo five or more cycles without success.
The intense IVF process required extraordinary logistical effort. To manage treatments while maintaining confidentiality and avoiding disruption to their daily lives and childcare duties, Chan frequently traveled between Hong Kong and Taiwan, often taking early morning flights and returning late the same night, enduring significant fatigue.
Throughout the challenging period, Sunny Wong provided unwavering support, committing to his wife’s well-being from the outset of the family discussions. Wong affirmed his promise: “I pledged to support my wife unreservedly, monetarily and psychologically. I was there for every situation.” The actor’s consistent presence and emotional backing were critical in navigating the demanding year-long process that led to Kora’s birth and recent 100-day celebration.
The couple’s story offers a poignant testament to the resolve required when pursuing late-in-life parenthood through reproductive technology, highlighting the critical roles of spousal support, professional medical guidance, and transparency with existing children. Their experience underscores that while challenging, modern medical advancements can make dreams of expanding a family a reality, even decades after initial childbirth.