Emma Pritchard|

When 12-year-old Cohen Daly first visited his local GP in early 2020, he was diagnosed with growing pains, a common condition characterised by persistent aching and throbbing, especially in the legs.

But Cohen didn’t agree with the initial diagnosis.

He knew something was wrong, something serious.

It wasn’t until his third visit, eight months later, that he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of cancer which begins in the cells that form bones.

He has a tumour below his left tibia which measures 12.2cm and 15 tumours in his lungs.

The devasting news came on New Year’s Eve as Cohen and his family were preparing to celebrate the end of 2020 and welcome a brand-new year, and brighter beginnings.

But Cohen is a born fighter, and as he bravely endures ongoing rounds of chemotherapy at the oncology unit in the Westmead Children’s Hospital, a rural village in the Clarence Valley is rallying to support him and his family.

Although Cohen lives on the Central Coast, his grandparents, Dave and Trish Seymore, have called Copmanhurst their home for 7 years and their grandson visits the local area frequently.

As soon as their neighbours and surrounding community heard of his plight, they immediately rallied together to support Cohen and his family.

Copmanhurst resident Janine Jasper is hosting a market day at her residence to raise funds to assist with Cohen’s ongoing medical treatment and she is encouraging locals and members of the wider Clarence Valley community to become involved.

For a $5 donation, sellers are invited to bring their own tables and offer a range of items for sale including pot plants, bric-a-brac, clothes, toys, books and small pieces of second-hand furniture.

Homemade baked goods and coffee will also be available on the day with every dollar raised going directly to Cohen.

Overwhelmed by the enormous support being shown to their family, the Seymores are truly thankful and incredibly proud to be part of such a wonderful community.

“I don’t think a day has gone by when we haven’t been in tears with gratitude for something someone has done,” Ms Seymore said.

“I get lost for words with the love and support that’s been shown so far.

“Copmanhurst is a really supportive community, Janine is a jewel and we’re just so thankful and overwhelmed by the love being shown to Cohen.”

Ms Seymore said Cohen is remaining positive as he continues his chemotherapy with updates on his treatment and prognosis expected towards the end of March.

The Market day will be held at 36 Prescott St, Copmanhurst, on March 6 from 10am.

Anyone interested in setting up a stall or donating items for sale is encouraged to contact the Seymores on 0490 031 424.

Other local events are currently being planned to continue to raise funds for Cohen, so keep a lookout in upcoming editions of the Clarence Valley Independent.

On March 5, the Seymores are inviting people to shave, cut or colour their hair green, Cohen’s favourite colour, to raise awareness of osteosarcoma.

Sponsorships are presently being organised and a post has been shared in the Copmanhurst Community Facebook group.

A GoFundMe page has also been established to help Cohen.

At the time of publication, more than $21000 had been raised.

Osteosarcoma

• Is more common in teenage boys than girls.
• It accounts for more than 4% of childhood cancers.
• Most cases arise from unpredictable errors in the DNA of growing bone cells during bouts of intense bone growth.
• It is diagnosed by physical examination, an X-ray or CT scan.
• Most tumours develop in the bones around the knee or the upper arm bone near the shoulder.
• It is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed cancers.
• Treatment includes chemotherapy and surgery.