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.


Hamish and Fergus have been best mates for most of their lives. When Fergus was diagnosed with cancer at 16, their friendship changed, and in many ways became much stronger. This is Hamish’s story of supporting his best friend through his toughest journey.
Hamish and Fergus have been best mates for most of their lives. When Fergus was diagnosed with cancer at 16, their friendship changed, and in many ways became much stronger. This is Hamish’s story of supporting his best friend through his toughest journey.

“I kind of blocked out a lot in those first few weeks, because there’s so many people coming to see us all the time, talk to us, and tell us different things. I was kind of numb really.”
“I kind of blocked out a lot in those first few weeks, because there’s so many people coming to see us all the time, talk to us, and tell us different things. I was kind of numb really.”

“We’ve gained a new perspective on life, knowing that Redkite has been there to support us right from the beginning.”
“We’ve gained a new perspective on life, knowing that Redkite has been there to support us right from the beginning.”

“”I was so emotionally distraught for a year and a half.” The tough reality Queensland mum Rachel faced daily when her son was diagnosed with cancer.
“”I was so emotionally distraught for a year and a half.” The tough reality Queensland mum Rachel faced daily when her son was diagnosed with cancer.

Karl’s journey navigating childhood cancer and feeling the immense sense of responsibility, in his role as a father, to hold it together for his family.
Karl’s journey navigating childhood cancer and feeling the immense sense of responsibility, in his role as a father, to hold it together for his family.

Christine’s daughter, Sophie, was six years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Although ear infections are common, when…
Christine’s daughter, Sophie, was six years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Although ear infections are common, when…

Annika’s sister, Tara, was diagnosed with cancer at 16. “I never not want to feel the grief of losing my little sister”
Annika’s sister, Tara, was diagnosed with cancer at 16. “I never not want to feel the grief of losing my little sister”

Kid’s Cancer Conversations. How to deal with kids asking tough questions about childhood cancer.
Kid’s Cancer Conversations. How to deal with kids asking tough questions about childhood cancer.

Every day, three Australian families hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” It’s a gut-wrenching…
Every day, three Australian families hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” It’s a gut-wrenching…

Alicia was 12 weeks pregnant when her four-year-old son Bronson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. When she received the Red Bag, she felt like it was a hug.
Alicia was 12 weeks pregnant when her four-year-old son Bronson was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. When she received the Red Bag, she felt like it was a hug.

Over 20 years on, and Cooper is still dealing with the long-term effects of childhood cancer. “I will see a doctor once a year for the rest of my life.”
Over 20 years on, and Cooper is still dealing with the long-term effects of childhood cancer. “I will see a doctor once a year for the rest of my life.”

I just found that I had a lot of words I needed to say, that I needed to say them to someone that I didn’t know. I just needed to get it all off my chest and have a cry and move forward from it a little bit.
I just found that I had a lot of words I needed to say, that I needed to say them to someone that I didn’t know. I just needed to get it all off my chest and have a cry and move forward from it a little bit.

Bronson was diagnosed with cancer when he was just four years old. Alicia was 12 weeks pregnant with Mabel when he was diagnosed.
Bronson was diagnosed with cancer when he was just four years old. Alicia was 12 weeks pregnant with Mabel when he was diagnosed.

Nicky lives on a farm in rural Western Australia, with her husband Les, her daughter Jess, her stepchildren Brianna and…
Nicky lives on a farm in rural Western Australia, with her husband Les, her daughter Jess, her stepchildren Brianna and…

In October 2023, Nolan and his mum Edwina arrived in Australia from New Caledonia. Nolan, 16, had been experiencing high…
In October 2023, Nolan and his mum Edwina arrived in Australia from New Caledonia. Nolan, 16, had been experiencing high…

Kai’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Kai’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…

Jayden’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Jayden’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…

Oliver, a 16-year-old history buff from Sydney, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles…
Oliver, a 16-year-old history buff from Sydney, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles…

Rosie’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Rosie’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…

Kyle, a 17-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite…
Kyle, a 17-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite…

Ben’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Ben’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…

Victoria’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Victoria’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…

Aspiring veterinarian surgeon Fergus, from Perth, has been named one of the winners of the Redkite and Coles Dare to…
Aspiring veterinarian surgeon Fergus, from Perth, has been named one of the winners of the Redkite and Coles Dare to…

Before Josh’s son, Nate, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at four years old, Josh’s young family of five…
Before Josh’s son, Nate, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at four years old, Josh’s young family of five…

After Rachel’s son Nate was diagnosed with cancer she felt emotionally distraught for over a year. “I just found social settings way too overwhelming.”
After Rachel’s son Nate was diagnosed with cancer she felt emotionally distraught for over a year. “I just found social settings way too overwhelming.”

Tye was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour at 15. Single mum, Kellee shares what the family went through and how Redkite supported them.
Tye was diagnosed with an extremely rare brain tumour at 15. Single mum, Kellee shares what the family went through and how Redkite supported them.

The practical and emotional support Rachel and Josh received from their neighbours and extended community meant they could focus on Nate’s treatment.
The practical and emotional support Rachel and Josh received from their neighbours and extended community meant they could focus on Nate’s treatment.

Vienna used baking as a way to “escape” the stress of chemotherapy, after being diagnosed with a rare blood cancer at 11 years old. Now post-treatment and in her final year of high school, she no longer uses baking to help with chemo but instead to escape the stress of school.
Vienna used baking as a way to “escape” the stress of chemotherapy, after being diagnosed with a rare blood cancer at 11 years old. Now post-treatment and in her final year of high school, she no longer uses baking to help with chemo but instead to escape the stress of school.

Pavithra started volunteering with Redkite in September 2023 with our fundraising team. Her role as a volunteer includes calling Redkite supporters and donors to thank them for their ongoing support.
Pavithra started volunteering with Redkite in September 2023 with our fundraising team. Her role as a volunteer includes calling Redkite supporters and donors to thank them for their ongoing support.

Susannah and her family’s life had become a blur of hospital stays, medical procedures, and the constant fear of what the future might hold for her daughter Zoe.
Susannah and her family’s life had become a blur of hospital stays, medical procedures, and the constant fear of what the future might hold for her daughter Zoe.

Stephen has been volunteering with Redkite for 12 months, providing reflexology to the parents and families of children facing childhood cancer in hospital.
Stephen has been volunteering with Redkite for 12 months, providing reflexology to the parents and families of children facing childhood cancer in hospital.

The last time we heard from Jack, he was heading into his final year of high school and adjusting to…
The last time we heard from Jack, he was heading into his final year of high school and adjusting to…

When Sienna applied for the 2023 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship, she was already in acting and drama…
When Sienna applied for the 2023 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship, she was already in acting and drama…

When Mackenzie was diagnosed with cancer at 12, her dad Adrian was devastated. Just over two years earlier, the family lost their mum to cancer. With incredible strength, the family once again came together to support Mackenzie through her treatment.
When Mackenzie was diagnosed with cancer at 12, her dad Adrian was devastated. Just over two years earlier, the family lost their mum to cancer. With incredible strength, the family once again came together to support Mackenzie through her treatment.

When Stephanie’s son Archie was diagnosed with cancer, their family and community came together and rallied around them.
When Stephanie’s son Archie was diagnosed with cancer, their family and community came together and rallied around them.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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

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

“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.”
“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.”

“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.”
“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.”

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.
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.

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

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

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.
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.

“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.”
“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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.”
“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.”

“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.”
“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.”

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

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