Five-year-old Ted Barnett and six-year-old Isla are all smiles at our shoot, arms around each other.
“Ted tells good ‘knock knock’ jokes,” says Isla proudly, sharing one of the many reasons why Ted is such a great best friend.
Ted and Isla have adored each other since they first slept in neighbouring beds at Sydney Children’s Hospital in 2014.
Both kids were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and were admitted within weeks of each other. It was during their initial chemotherapy treatment that the pair were first introduced and a powerful friendship was born.
From losing their hair at the same time to playing Connect Four in bed and sharing their toys, Ted and Isla grew up as thick as thieves, battling their disease head on.
“They go together like yin and yang. Their friendship just works,” says Isla’s dad Darrin, 46.
Since they met, Ted and Isla’s parents always ensured they were placed in the same treatment block for support.
Both families will take part in the Children Cancer Institute’s 2016 Endure for a Cure cycling challenge on May 5 to raise funds for further research. For more information visit endureforacure2016.gofundraise.com.au.
And to read more about Ted and Isla’s unbreakable bond, be sure to pick up the latest issue of Woman’s Day, on sale now!
