Redkite launch scholarship for young people with cancer

Young people with a current or past cancer diagnosis can pursue their area of interest thanks to Redkite’s Dare to Dream 2009 Scholarship Program being launched today during National Youth Week. 

Redkite, a leading Australian charity which supports children and young people with cancer and their families, award the scholarships to young people aged 16 to 21 to reach their full potential in areas such as academic study, dance, drama, design, music or sport. There are 31 scholarships to be won, with the national winner receiving $5000.

Jessica Eddy, last year’s Victorian scholarship winner says her experience with cancer inspired her to enrol in a stage make-up course at TAFE.

Jessica said:  “I was so excited to win this scholarship as it has enabled me to study to become a qualified makeup artist, specialising in stage makeup. The course has been great so far and I am learning a lot.

“Makeup and hair [wigs] can actually lift spirits and confidence and make people feel better about themselves and because I’ve experienced this first hand, I would like to be able to share this with others.”

Tim Rogers, Redkite’s General Manager of National Services, said: “Young people who have faced cancer often discover great strengths and goals - and a passion to pursue them. However, it can be challenging for those young people to continue with or return to their education because of being unwell and the amount of time they have spent in hospital, as well as other challenges that cancer and treatment has put in their paths. Many young people also feel isolated during and after cancer treatment because they spend a lot of time away from their peers and classes. This scholarship scheme can assist them financially, such as enabling them to buy a laptop to keep them up to date with tutorials or to cover enrolment fees. And for young people who have experienced cancer in the past, a scholarship can give them the opportunity to develop their skills and to pursue their dreams.”

The 2009 Redkite Scholarship Program is being made possible through the support of Merrill Lynch. In addition to the national scholarship, there are six x $2000 State and Regional Scholarships, 12 x $1000 High Commendation Awards, and 12 x $500 Encouragements Awards. Applications are open until 18th May, 2009.