IF you logged onto Facebook recently and live in the Manning Valley, you may notice the social network has become awash with rainbows.
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Profile pictures and cover photos have been painted in a bright band of colour, with one important hash tag splashed across the front '#TEAMBRENDANM'.
This hash tag will lead you to a Facebook page devoted to sharing the story of a heroic local family - the Maloneys.
Old Bar resident Brendan Maloney was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.
After battling the disease for a year, last December it was thought that Brendan was in the clear.
Sadly in March, the cancer returned with the news Brendan's leg would be amputated.
Post operation, Brendan and his young family of four face the challenges of continued chemotherapy, appointments and recovering and adapting to a new way of life.
Behind them is a team that grows daily, with strangers to family members and friends offering their love and support via social media.
The core of this team is the organising committee that sits at around 10 people.
"#TEAMBRENDAM is based on love, hope and strength," explained Katie Marteene, close friend to the Maloneys and committee member.
#TEAMBRENDANM, won't keep the strength of their support online.
From pitching a welcome home sign on Old Bar Road after Brendan's operation, to organising events - #TEAMBRENDANM want the support for the family to continue, in the trying months ahead.
Events being planned include a silent auction at Club Old Bar on August 8 and pending council approval, a Rainbow Rush Run in Taree later in the year.
"The silent auction will be a very special night," Katie said.
"It will be amazing to see everyone together who have supported the family so far."
Mike Eyb, a local mountain bike rider, will also take his support for Brendan international when he participates in Ride the Divide, a 4500km long charity ride in Banff in Canada this June, to fundraise for #TEAMBRENDANM.
The idea of using sporting events to raise money for the family, is "...right up Brendan's alley."
Brendan is a triathelete, ironman and "a machine on the bike".
Brendan's wife, Callie has been documenting the family's journey with cancer on her blog 'calliemm.blogspot.com'.
Callie began her blog in 2012 for her business practice of reiki. Now she shares a more personal aspect of her life to a local and now, global audience.
Despite the subject matter of her blog being difficult, you are left with admiration for the strength and kindness of the Maloneys.
"Brendan was determined to walk out of the hospital under his own steam," wrote Callie on Sunday, April 12.
"Nine days after his operation he did just that."
Callie makes sure to name and remember every person who they have met on their journey, from doctors to patients, they will never be forgotten.
"She's a pocket rocket, our Callie," said Callie's sister Sue Pitman.
"She really does radiate love and light," added Katie.
People have become so connected to the story of the Maloneys because there is no second hand information, it comes straight from the family
"The love the couple have received is a reflection of who Callie and Brendan are as people, they give out so much."
The strength of Callie and Brendan is projected to their children Tyra and Baden.
Upon hearing their dad would lose his leg they cried "their hearts out", but eventually came bouncing back with one legged jokes that had the family in fits of laughter. Brendan's favourite is "I'm as busy as a one legged man in a butt kicking competition!"
The couple would like to thank the Old Bar School community, and the community near and far for their support.
"The energy from #TEAMBRENDANM is just amazing," Callie said.
"It helps him get through what needs to be done."
They would also like to give a special mention to Brendan's employer Edsteins Creative Stone, who organised the first charity day for Brendan 'Shave for a mate'.
"The thing is anyone can be a part of it," said Katie.
"Everyone who knows Brendan and his family want to show their support by being a part of this, that's why TEAMBRENDANM is so special, it's a testament to community spirit. This is people coming together to support an incredibly good man and a wonderful family. It is community at its best and it's what makes #TEAMBRENDANM so strong and so special."
