Young cancer patients and survivors dare to dream with national scholarship program.
For young Australians affected by cancer, the end of treatment is often just the beginning of another challenge - rebuilding their future.
While survival rates have improved, more than 20,000 young Australians now live with its long-term impacts.
Research shows that 80% of childhood cancer survivors experience lasting physical, psychological, or social challenges, and 85% of parents seek support to help their child return to education posttreatment.
This month, the national children’s cancer charity Redkite is spotlighting a powerful reminder that resilience doesn’t stop when cancer does, as they announce the 2025 finalists of the Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.
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Now in its 12th year, the scholarship program offers up to $5,000 to help young Australians aged 13-18 to pursue their boldest ambitions – from becoming a mechanic, Olympian, or entrepreneur - whatever they may be.
Since 2013, more than 450 young cancer survivors have shared over $800,000 worth of scholarships awarded through the program, thanks to fundraising efforts by Coles and its customers.
The Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship isn’t just about what it funds, it’s about hope, confidence, and a chance to be seen and supported.
This program also helps address the profound social and academic disruptions cancer can cause, with 30% of survivors repeating a year of education due to treatment related interruptions.
“For the first time in a long time, my son actually dared to dream. Life has been very lonely for him. He found a passion, and the prospect of being able to take it to a completely different level excited him.” a parent of Dare to Dream winner said.
Today, Redkite and Coles proudly announce the eight national finalists for 2025 chosen from over 140 applications - each showing what it means to transform adversity into ambition:
Brandan (17, QLD) is forging a future in media and film after being diagnosed with Leukemia last year.
Despite ongoing treatment, he's already hosted hospital TV segments and plans to pursue a TAFE media course.
Sophia (14, QLD) living with an extremely rare form of Leukaemia and the only known paediatric case of this variant, is channelling her creativity into fashion and interior design, dreaming of a career where she can express herself and inspire others.
Georgia (17, QLD), who endured 2.5 years of treatment for Leukaemia and spent months in a wheelchair, is determined to study medicine or nursing to give back to the health system that saved her.
Brianna (15, NSW), currently in treatment for Leukaemia, is turning her passion for cars into a career in mechanics, restoring a 1972 Holden One Tonner with her dad.
Ella (15, NSW), diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, is now chasing her goal to become a paediatric oncology nurse, inspired by the care she received during treatment.
Amelia (16, NSW), who has ADHD and survived stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma, plans to launch a sensory fashion product line for neurodivergent teens, blending style with support.
Mark (17, NSW), now 100 days post-transplant, is focused on studying neuropsychology to support the mental health of young oncology patients - drawing directly from his own journey through treatment and isolation.
India (17, VIC), a long-term survivor of childhood Leukaemia, dreams of becoming a psychologist to help other kids navigate the trauma and mental health challenges that follow cancer. Each finalist receives a $3,000 scholarship to support their goal, with one National Winner, chosen from the finalists, to be awarded a total of $5,000 in August 2025.
“The end of cancer treatment doesn’t mean the end of its impact. Many young cancer patients and survivors continue to face significant and lasting challenges as they rebuild their lives,” said Monique Keighery, CEO Redkite.
“The Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship recognises their resilience and ambition, whilst providing the support and encouragement they need to pursue their goals and look to the future with confidence.”
Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager Commercial of Bakery, Dairy & Frozen and one of the judges on the 2025 Dare to Dream panel, said Coles was extremely proud of its longstanding partnership with Redkite.
“Each year, the stories of the Dare to Dream Scholarship recipients help bring fundraising efforts for Redkite at Coles to life. We know that these scholarships have already made a genuine difference to hundreds of young people affected by childhood cancer, and we can’t wait to follow the journeys of the 2025 recipients as they pursue their dreams.”
Redkite CEO Monique Keighery thanked the Coles team members and customers for investing in the future and aspirations of these young people.
“The generosity of Coles team members and customers in communities across Australia is what makes Dare to Dream possible. The inspiring young applicants have all demonstrated incredible resilience in the most traumatic of circumstances. It is a privilege and a delight to be able to support them and follow them on their journey.”
For families navigating life after childhood cancer, the Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship is a lifeline of hope and a powerful reminder that their future is still full of possibility.
