Starlight Foundation: Story of Central Coast brothers Koby Ternel and Rocco Coleman

WHEN it comes to brotherly bonds, you can’t get much stronger than Central Coast brothers Rocco and Koby.

There’s a close bond between brothers Koby Ternel and Rocco Coleman. Picture: Sue Graham

• Federal Election 2019: Dobell candidates address local issues
• Federal Election 2019: Robertson candidates address local issues

WHEN it comes to brotherly bonds, you can’t get much stronger than Central Coast brothers Rocco and Koby.

While the brothers are eight years apart, they share experiences of battling life-threatening conditions, and never giving up.

Koby, 12, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at the age of one, while Rocco, 4, was diagnosed with spina bifida at just 20 weeks old.

Koby has been in remission for nearly 10 years, and focuses his energy on helping Rocco who has been in and out of hospital all his life.

The boys have a ball together. Picture: Sue Graham

Mum Rachelle Coleman said the boys were very close, and loved playing rough together.

She said when Rocco was diagnosed at her 20 week scan, doctors said he would have no quality of life and would be unable to walk, talk and struggle to breathe.

“For me, I could feel him moving and was confident he was going to be fine,” the mother of four said.

“Now, he has surpassed everything they said. He has no feeling from his knees to his toes, but he uses a walker and has started using hand crotches as well.”

Rocco has a smile to melt your heart and is as cheeky as can be. He said he loved to skate, draw and build Lego with his big brother.

“The boys love each other so much,” Mrs Coleman said.

Rocco has started taking steps on his own. Picture: Sue Graham

Mum Rachelle Coleman with Rocco and Koby

While the challenges are exhausting and stressful, Mrs Coleman spoke highly of their involvement with the Starlight Foundation.

She said spending time in the Starlight Express Room, and getting to know the Starlight captains had brought smiles and amazing memories.

“We know all of the Starlight captains and they have become like family,” she said.

“They are just amazing and are so good with the boys. Koby had a wish granted, and swam with turtles at Heron Island.”

She said the past 10 years had been stressful and tiring, leaving no time for a social life, however she said she had no regrets.

“I love it and I wouldn’t swap it for anything,” she said.

“It’s definitely different. We often feel more at home at the hospital and places like the Starlight room where there are people who understand what we go through.”