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Real stories

People who have been there and know what it’s like

The greatest words of wisdom and the best tips on facing childhood cancer come from people just like you… Some of these family stories will ring true for you, and others might not, because every family has their own way of telling their story.

Child with cancer sitting on hospital bed hugging the Redkite teddy bear
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On treatment

Roman: Granny Sharon and Pa Phil

How are grandparents affected when their grandchild is diagnosed with cancer? While each story is different, Granny Sharon and Pa Phil share their story about their grandson Roman’s cancer experience.

Roman: Granny Sharon and Pa Phil

How are grandparents affected when their grandchild is diagnosed with cancer? While each story is different, Granny Sharon and Pa Phil share their story about their grandson Roman’s cancer experience.

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Max’s story

Max, a 16-year-old cancer survivor from Glenelg North, Adelaide, shares his inspiring journey from a childhood cancer diagnosis to becoming a finalist for the prestigious Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Max’s story

Max, a 16-year-old cancer survivor from Glenelg North, Adelaide, shares his inspiring journey from a childhood cancer diagnosis to becoming a finalist for the prestigious Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Tahlia’s story 

Discover Tahlia’s inspiring journey, from a 16-year-old facing atypical carcinoid lung cancer to becoming one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping her pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, and the crucial role family support and Redkite’s resources played in Tahlia’s recovery journey.  

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Tahlia’s story 

Discover Tahlia’s inspiring journey, from a 16-year-old facing atypical carcinoid lung cancer to becoming one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping her pursue his dream of becoming a doctor, and the crucial role family support and Redkite’s resources played in Tahlia’s recovery journey.  

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Olivia’s story

Discover Olivia’s inspiring journey, from a 17-year-old facing leukemia to becoming the winner of the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping her pursue his dream of becoming a paediatric nurse.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Olivia’s story

Discover Olivia’s inspiring journey, from a 17-year-old facing leukemia to becoming the winner of the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping her pursue his dream of becoming a paediatric nurse.

On treatment

Roman: Aunty Tamara’s story 

How are aunts and uncles affected when their niece or nephew is diagnosed with cancer? While each story is different, Tamara (Tam) shares her story about her nephew Roman’s cancer experience.

Roman: Aunty Tamara’s story 

How are aunts and uncles affected when their niece or nephew is diagnosed with cancer? While each story is different, Tamara (Tam) shares her story about her nephew Roman’s cancer experience.

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Levi’s story  

17-year-old Levi has become one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping him pursue his dream of working in the metalwork and woodwork industry post treatment.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Levi’s story  

17-year-old Levi has become one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping him pursue his dream of working in the metalwork and woodwork industry post treatment.

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Jack’s story

Discover Jack’s inspiring journey to becoming one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping him pursue his dream of playing cricket post-treatment.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Jack’s story

Discover Jack’s inspiring journey to becoming one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping him pursue his dream of playing cricket post-treatment.

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Rachel’s story

Rachel, a remarkable 18-year-old has become one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping her grow her business Rach&Bec post-treatment.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Rachel’s story

Rachel, a remarkable 18-year-old has become one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. Learn how this scholarship is helping her grow her business Rach&Bec post-treatment.

On treatment

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Sienna’s story

Sienna, a 16-year-old cancer survivor from Hunter Valley, Australia, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood brain tumour diagnosis to becoming a finalist for the prestigious Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.

Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Sienna’s story

Sienna, a 16-year-old cancer survivor from Hunter Valley, Australia, shares her inspiring journey from a childhood brain tumour diagnosis to becoming a finalist for the prestigious Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.

On treatment

Sophie and Christine

“That night, when Sophie was diagnosed with cancer, her organs were already shutting down.” Christine recalls.

Sophie and Christine

“That night, when Sophie was diagnosed with cancer, her organs were already shutting down.” Christine recalls.

On treatment

Roman’s family story

Roman’s diagnosis impacted every member of his close family, but the family held it together with love and support.

Roman’s family story

Roman’s diagnosis impacted every member of his close family, but the family held it together with love and support.

Carys and Laura | Stories of families facing childhood cancer

On treatment

Carys and Laura

“Looking back, the main feeling I had around that time other than dealing with my daughter’s cancer diagnosis was the guilt. I had over twelve storage boxes of toys in our garage that were never going to be used properly.”

Carys and Laura

“Looking back, the main feeling I had around that time other than dealing with my daughter’s cancer diagnosis was the guilt. I had over twelve storage boxes of toys in our garage that were never going to be used properly.”

Matilda, Fiona, Will and Maisie

On treatment

Matilda, Fiona, Will and Maisie

“Will and I both wanted information. I know some families don’t, but that’s how we responded. We wanted data, we wanted as much data as possible.” 

Matilda, Fiona, Will and Maisie

“Will and I both wanted information. I know some families don’t, but that’s how we responded. We wanted data, we wanted as much data as possible.” 

Pat and Archie - stories of families facing childhood cancer

On treatment

Pat and Archer: “I felt like I needed to be the strong one in the family.”

After five-year-old Archie was diagnosed with leukaemia, it led to the most painful, helpless, scary, and stressful 12 months of the family’s life.

Pat and Archer: “I felt like I needed to be the strong one in the family.”

After five-year-old Archie was diagnosed with leukaemia, it led to the most painful, helpless, scary, and stressful 12 months of the family’s life.

On treatment

Melanie, Emily and Lucy: Coping with grief and loss 

Queensland mother of two, Melanie, shares her story of loss and grief and what life is like now for her and her two daughters.

Melanie, Emily and Lucy: Coping with grief and loss 

Queensland mother of two, Melanie, shares her story of loss and grief and what life is like now for her and her two daughters.

On treatment

Nathan and Ollie’s story

After doctors found a tumour behind his right ear, Nathan’s six-year-old son Ollie was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Nathan and Ollie’s story

After doctors found a tumour behind his right ear, Nathan’s six-year-old son Ollie was diagnosed with brain cancer.

On treatment

Le-Anne and Tommy: The unimaginable financial strain caused by cancer

Single mum, Le-Anne felt the financial pressure after her son Tommy was diagnosed with cancer. “Being a single Mum, there has always only ever been one income. If I am not earning, we don’t eat.”`

Le-Anne and Tommy: The unimaginable financial strain caused by cancer

Single mum, Le-Anne felt the financial pressure after her son Tommy was diagnosed with cancer. “Being a single Mum, there has always only ever been one income. If I am not earning, we don’t eat.”`

On treatment

Theresa and Summer: “I didn’t know I needed to talk to someone.”

After her daughter Summer’s shock diagnosis, Theresa was overwhelmed and didn’t know who she could talk to. She shares how she learned to share the emotional and financial burden of cancer treatment.

Theresa and Summer: “I didn’t know I needed to talk to someone.”

After her daughter Summer’s shock diagnosis, Theresa was overwhelmed and didn’t know who she could talk to. She shares how she learned to share the emotional and financial burden of cancer treatment.

Bella and Ritchie hugging - dad and daughter - cancer

On treatment

A Father’s Story: Ritchie

“If I could have any impact, it would be to stand up for men, to have us treated as equals. There’s a lot of good men out there who care.”

A Father’s Story: Ritchie

“If I could have any impact, it would be to stand up for men, to have us treated as equals. There’s a lot of good men out there who care.”

Adry_Pre_Surgery

On treatment

Adry’s 10 year cancer-versary

Adry is now celebrating 10 years of being cancer free. From diagnosis, to finally being told he is in remission, Adry’s cancer experience along with the support from his family and Redkite has brought him a long way

Adry’s 10 year cancer-versary

Adry is now celebrating 10 years of being cancer free. From diagnosis, to finally being told he is in remission, Adry’s cancer experience along with the support from his family and Redkite has brought him a long way

On treatment

Brooke and Jackson

Brooke tells us about Jackson’s diagnosis, how they were separated from their family for treatment and what that meant for their family Christmas.

Brooke and Jackson

Brooke tells us about Jackson’s diagnosis, how they were separated from their family for treatment and what that meant for their family Christmas.

mum_and_son

On treatment

Tammy and Riley: One Mother’s Strength

Tammy’s son Riley was diagnosed with leaukemia when he was seven years old. Shortly after the diagnosis, Tammy’s husband suddenly died.

Tammy and Riley: One Mother’s Strength

Tammy’s son Riley was diagnosed with leaukemia when he was seven years old. Shortly after the diagnosis, Tammy’s husband suddenly died.

mum and son

Bereavement

Tom’s Redkite Bag

Trish shares her bereavement journey and the new traditions her family has created to keep Tom’s memory alive.

Tom’s Redkite Bag

Trish shares her bereavement journey and the new traditions her family has created to keep Tom’s memory alive.

little girl in hospital bed with cancer

On treatment

Chelsea and Teena: Learning to accept help

Teena tells us about Chelsea’s diagnosis and how learning to accept help from her support team made all the difference.

Chelsea and Teena: Learning to accept help

Teena tells us about Chelsea’s diagnosis and how learning to accept help from her support team made all the difference.

On treatment

Peter, Jen and Eli Northey

After being diagnosed with childhood cancer at only 5 weeks old, Peter and Jennifer Northey share how Eli is going three years later.

Peter, Jen and Eli Northey

After being diagnosed with childhood cancer at only 5 weeks old, Peter and Jennifer Northey share how Eli is going three years later.

A baby boy and his brother asleep in a hospital bed. The big brother has a hospital band on his wrist.

On treatment

A cancer diagnosis and a newborn in 48 hours

Angela became an expert at juggling when her son was diagnosed with cancer 48 hours before she gave birth.

A cancer diagnosis and a newborn in 48 hours

Angela became an expert at juggling when her son was diagnosed with cancer 48 hours before she gave birth.

Bereavement

Making new traditions with Annabelle

Kathie and her family have found ways to include Annabelle and her memory with new Christmas traditions.

Making new traditions with Annabelle

Kathie and her family have found ways to include Annabelle and her memory with new Christmas traditions.

On treatment

Mikaela and Gillian: A first Christmas

19-month-old Mikaela had her first Christmas in Australia while in the middle of her treatment for liver cancer.

Mikaela and Gillian: A first Christmas

19-month-old Mikaela had her first Christmas in Australia while in the middle of her treatment for liver cancer.

Bereavement

Meredith’s new cancer journey

Meredith searched for answers for six months until her son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Meredith’s new cancer journey

Meredith searched for answers for six months until her son was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

On treatment

Megan is determined to live life to the fullest

Cancer has taken so much from Megan over the past two years, but that’s not going to stop her making the most of every moment.

Megan is determined to live life to the fullest

Cancer has taken so much from Megan over the past two years, but that’s not going to stop her making the most of every moment.

On treatment

Dakoda, Michelle and Family

Every day is a different juggle for the busy Silveira family as they deal with Dakoda’s treatment.

Dakoda, Michelle and Family

Every day is a different juggle for the busy Silveira family as they deal with Dakoda’s treatment.

When treatment ends

Cancer disrupted this family’s dream of a better life

When Gillian and her family moved to Australia they hoped for a ‘better life’. Cancer disrupted that.

Cancer disrupted this family’s dream of a better life

When Gillian and her family moved to Australia they hoped for a ‘better life’. Cancer disrupted that.

When treatment ends

Teah is rebuilding her life after cancer

Teah is 17 and starting her life all over again because cancer has disrupted everything.

Teah is rebuilding her life after cancer

Teah is 17 and starting her life all over again because cancer has disrupted everything.

Diagnosis

Vinny, Sally & Michael

Our time enjoying life as new parents abruptly ended when Vinny was admitted to hospital at two months old.

Vinny, Sally & Michael

Our time enjoying life as new parents abruptly ended when Vinny was admitted to hospital at two months old.

Tara and Melissa

Hear from Tara about the two turning points in her life: when she first found out she had cancer and when it came back.

Tara and Melissa

Hear from Tara about the two turning points in her life: when she first found out she had cancer and when it came back.

Survivorship

Jane and Angus

Redkite helped Jane’s family during her treatment. Now her father’s art has helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jane and Angus

Redkite helped Jane’s family during her treatment. Now her father’s art has helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leanne and Georgia

Leanne’s daughter Georgia was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was six. She met with our ambassador, Georgie Gardner, to talk about how Georgia’s cancer diagnosis has impacted their whole family.

Leanne and Georgia

Leanne’s daughter Georgia was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was six. She met with our ambassador, Georgie Gardner, to talk about how Georgia’s cancer diagnosis has impacted their whole family.

When treatment ends

Bella, Tosh and Vanie

“In March 2014, our family was thrown onto the oncology rollercoaster when 4-year-old Bella, was diagnosed with cancer. “

Bella, Tosh and Vanie

“In March 2014, our family was thrown onto the oncology rollercoaster when 4-year-old Bella, was diagnosed with cancer. “

Diagnosis

Nathan and Michael

“Be your child’s voice. Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid to stand up for them no matter how uncomfortable that may be for you.”

Nathan and Michael

“Be your child’s voice. Don’t be afraid to ask and don’t be afraid to stand up for them no matter how uncomfortable that may be for you.”

A mum hugging her daughter on a hospital bed.

On treatment

Hailey and Leah: Coping with cancer & COVID-19

“We went through a lot of emotional rollercoaster rides dealing with separation, confinement and isolation.”

Hailey and Leah: Coping with cancer & COVID-19

“We went through a lot of emotional rollercoaster rides dealing with separation, confinement and isolation.”

Bereavement

Conor and Sally

“I want my little boy back. I want to change what happened, but I do have to thank him for the lessons he taught me.”

Conor and Sally

“I want my little boy back. I want to change what happened, but I do have to thank him for the lessons he taught me.”

Diagnosis

Josh: I didn’t realise what I was being like due to cancer

“The diagnosis was a very sad and stressful time for myself, my family, and all my close friends. I really didn’t know what to expect.”

Josh: I didn’t realise what I was being like due to cancer

“The diagnosis was a very sad and stressful time for myself, my family, and all my close friends. I really didn’t know what to expect.”

Diagnosis

Hugh and Tess

“I felt isolated, overwhelmed, and felt as if I was drowning. That’s when I reached out to Redkite.”

Hugh and Tess

“I felt isolated, overwhelmed, and felt as if I was drowning. That’s when I reached out to Redkite.”

Palliative

Nat, Maria and Belinda

“Cancer changes everything. It’s not until you live this journey that you can really understand this statement. “

Nat, Maria and Belinda

“Cancer changes everything. It’s not until you live this journey that you can really understand this statement. “

When treatment ends

Trystan and Jodi

“Cancer is what took Trystan’s father away. I thought I was going to lose my son. I just thought: ‘He’s going to die.’ There were times when he came quite close to it.”

Trystan and Jodi

“Cancer is what took Trystan’s father away. I thought I was going to lose my son. I just thought: ‘He’s going to die.’ There were times when he came quite close to it.”

Diagnosis

Harper, Eliza and Darren: Becoming a family facing cancer

“We were absolutely crushed, absolutely confused and angry at life for thinking that we were now ‘cancer people’.”

Harper, Eliza and Darren: Becoming a family facing cancer

“We were absolutely crushed, absolutely confused and angry at life for thinking that we were now ‘cancer people’.”

Relapse

Tara: ‘I won’t let this stop me’

“My diagnosis hasn’t just affected me – it’s also had an extreme impact on my family.”

Tara: ‘I won’t let this stop me’

“My diagnosis hasn’t just affected me – it’s also had an extreme impact on my family.”

On treatment

Bella and Ritchie: Caring for a child with cancer and Down syndrome

“When she got the diagnosis I was thinking: ‘How the hell could this be happening? She has got enough on her plate’.”

Bella and Ritchie: Caring for a child with cancer and Down syndrome

“When she got the diagnosis I was thinking: ‘How the hell could this be happening? She has got enough on her plate’.”

On treatment

Izzy and Nic: The beads are her cancer story in colour

“Mother’s Day 2018 will be a day that I will never forget. My 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with AML – Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.”

Izzy and Nic: The beads are her cancer story in colour

“Mother’s Day 2018 will be a day that I will never forget. My 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with AML – Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.”

Bereavement

Brooke, Karl and Olivia

“The neurosurgeon walked into the room, looked me straight in the eye and said: ‘Your daughter has a brain tumour’.”

Brooke, Karl and Olivia

“The neurosurgeon walked into the room, looked me straight in the eye and said: ‘Your daughter has a brain tumour’.”

Diagnosis

Henry and Bec

“I think one of the hardest parts of the diagnosis was hearing about the short and long-term effects of the chemotherapy and radiation.”

Henry and Bec

“I think one of the hardest parts of the diagnosis was hearing about the short and long-term effects of the chemotherapy and radiation.”

Diagnosis

Harry and Ryan

“The most simple gestures often, I’ve found, no matter who it’s from, were the most helpful for us.”

Harry and Ryan

“The most simple gestures often, I’ve found, no matter who it’s from, were the most helpful for us.”

Seeking support; what other parents say

Diagnosis

David, Kate and Margaret: Cancer impacts the whole family

“The further you get away from treatment, the more normal you start to feel, and that terrifies me.”

David, Kate and Margaret: Cancer impacts the whole family

“The further you get away from treatment, the more normal you start to feel, and that terrifies me.”

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