(VIDEO)

Austin and Ty Coppola were born only seconds apart, yet Ty was diagnosed with Down syndrome. The boys grew up doing everything together, except Ty faced different challenges.

When it was time for Austin to graduate from high school, he couldn’t imagine crossing the stage without his brother.  Even though Ty didn’t attend the same high school, Austin insisted that he share the special day with his brother.

Speaking to ABC WHAM News, Cheryl Coppola, the boy’s mother, saidabout her son Austin:

“He said to me, ‘Mom, Ty has worked harder than me. He’s endured more challenges. Yeah I’ve earned it, I worked hard for my degree, but he’s worked hard in a different way.’”

The compassion of Austin towards his brother Ty, as well as his unwavering commitment to ensure that the gratitude and appreciation he has for his brother is known, is worthy of a standing ovation. Which is exactly what these brothers received.