But when he started experiencing headaches, blurred vision and dizziness, his mother Roula realised something was wrong.

Only three months after her own breast cancer diagnosis, Roula and her husband Steve were faced with every parent’s worst nightmare – their son Jerome was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer.

“I knew in my gut something wasn’t right,” Roula said.

“We took him to an optometrist who wrote us a referral on the spot, instructing us to quickly take him to the children’s hospital because his optic nerves were enlarged.

“It just went downhill from there.

“An MRI scan confirmed he had a brain tumour the size of a peach in his cerebellum and a biopsy after surgery was performed which later revealed it was a stage 3-4 malignant tumour and he needed radiation along with chemotherapy.

“Our life was completely turned upside down.”

Now, five years after his diagnosis, Jerome has worked his way out of a wheelchair and on to a walker, he also participates in three forms of therapy a week and has taught himself how to eat and speak again.

He and his family are now behind the push to raise awareness and funds for others fighting against brain cancer.

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the whole City is rallying behind Jerome’s push to raise brain cancer awareness and is encouraging everyone to drop in during the fundraiser to show their support.

“Cancer is a terrible thing for anybody to experience, especially a young schoolboy like Jerome,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“We hear stories and think that could never happen to us, but the reality is, there are hundreds of people just like Jerome who need our support.

“I encourage everybody to join us on 24 May as we raise awareness for brain cancer and show our support to Jerome and his family.

“Or if you can’t make it on the day, be sure to send a donation to the online fundraiser.”

Jerome’s local football club, Revesby Rovers, are showing their support and will be hosting the brain cancer awareness fundraiser on Saturday 24 May at Amour Park, Revesby in collaboration with the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Revesby Rovers Football Club Vice President, Roy Azzi, said he was inspired by the Kertebani family and wanted to do anything he could to help.

“When it’s one of your kids at the club it really hits home,” he said.

“Rovers has a family first policy, so if any of our members are in need we all rally behind them and their family.

“Noone knows what people are going through so make sure to join us for the fundraiser and help us tackle brain cancer.”

Roula added that her family is honoured the club has taken such a significant stance in supporting her son.

“Having cancer affect both myself and Jerome, we know families are faced with emotional stress, financial strains and extreme fatigue so it means the absolute world to us that our club is reaching out to the community to help raise awareness for brain cancer,” she said. 

“This fundraiser is more than just a day. It’s a statement of unity, compassion, and determination to fight brain cancer head on.

“Whether it’s through a donation, contribution, or simply helping us spread the word, we are reaching out to ask for your support.

The Mark Hughes Foundation is doing incredible work to support patients, fund research and bring hope to families affected by this disease. Together we can create real change and bring hope to countless lives, and I strongly encourage everyone to come out and show their support for this incredible cause.”

The fundraiser will include a range of activities like face painting, lucky dips, lolly jar’s, cake stalls, a silent auction and a guard of honour for Jerome which he hopes to walk without support.

To help Jerome, his family and his football club raise funds for others under similar circumstances, visit: https://hostyourown.markhughesfoundation.com.au/page/RoversBrainCancerAwarenessDay