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.
My best friend had cancer: Hamish’s 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.
My best friend had cancer: Hamish’s 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.
Jacinta and Daisy: We were shoved into hospital life
“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.”
Jacinta and Daisy: We were shoved into hospital life
“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.”
Isaac and Marina’s family story
“We’ve gained a new perspective on life, knowing that Redkite has been there to support us right from the beginning.”
Isaac and Marina’s family story
“We’ve gained a new perspective on life, knowing that Redkite has been there to support us right from the beginning.”
Beyond Parenting: When Caring Becomes a Full-Time Job
“”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.
Beyond Parenting: When Caring Becomes a Full-Time Job
“”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.
Through the Eyes of a Father
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.
Through the Eyes of a Father
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.
More Than a Melody: The Power of Music Therapy
Christine’s daughter, Sophie, was six years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Although ear infections are common, when…
More Than a Melody: The Power of Music Therapy
Christine’s daughter, Sophie, was six years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Although ear infections are common, when…
A Siblings Heartfelt Perspective
Annika’s sister, Tara, was diagnosed with cancer at 16. “I never not want to feel the grief of losing my little sister”
A Siblings Heartfelt Perspective
Annika’s sister, Tara, was diagnosed with cancer at 16. “I never not want to feel the grief of losing my little sister”
How to deal with kids asking tough questions
Kid’s Cancer Conversations. How to deal with kids asking tough questions about childhood cancer.
How to deal with kids asking tough questions
Kid’s Cancer Conversations. How to deal with kids asking tough questions about childhood cancer.
Welcome to Kids Cancer Conversations
Every day, three Australian families hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” It’s a gut-wrenching…
Welcome to Kids Cancer Conversations
Every day, three Australian families hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: “Your child has cancer.” It’s a gut-wrenching…
A Big Bag of Hope
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.
A Big Bag of Hope
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.
Cooper’s story: 20 years on and I’m still feeling the long term effects of my cancer
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.”
Cooper’s story: 20 years on and I’m still feeling the long term effects of my cancer
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.”
Counselling: “I had a lot of words I needed to say”
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.
Counselling: “I had a lot of words I needed to say”
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.
Alicia and Bronson: With community support, our family pulled through
Bronson was diagnosed with cancer when he was just four years old. Alicia was 12 weeks pregnant with Mabel when he was diagnosed.
Alicia and Bronson: With community support, our family pulled through
Bronson was diagnosed with cancer when he was just four years old. Alicia was 12 weeks pregnant with Mabel when he was diagnosed.
Jamie and Nicky: Living rural, the distance was hard on the family
Nicky lives on a farm in rural Western Australia, with her husband Les, her daughter Jess, her stepchildren Brianna and…
Jamie and Nicky: Living rural, the distance was hard on the family
Nicky lives on a farm in rural Western Australia, with her husband Les, her daughter Jess, her stepchildren Brianna and…
From Noumea to Sydney: Nolan’s Story
In October 2023, Nolan and his mum Edwina arrived in Australia from New Caledonia. Nolan, 16, had been experiencing high…
From Noumea to Sydney: Nolan’s Story
In October 2023, Nolan and his mum Edwina arrived in Australia from New Caledonia. Nolan, 16, had been experiencing high…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Kai’s story
Kai’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Kai’s story
Kai’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Jayden’s story
Jayden’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Jayden’s story
Jayden’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Oli’s story
Oliver, a 16-year-old history buff from Sydney, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Oli’s story
Oliver, a 16-year-old history buff from Sydney, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite and Coles…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Rosie’s Story
Rosie’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Rosie’s Story
Rosie’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Kyle’s Story
Kyle, a 17-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Finalist: Kyle’s Story
Kyle, a 17-year-old from the Central Coast of NSW, has been named one of the eight finalists for the Redkite…
Dare to Dream Scholarship finalist: Ben’s Story
Ben’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship finalist: Ben’s Story
Ben’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Victoria’s Story
Victoria’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Victoria’s Story
Victoria’s Story The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Fergus’s Story
Aspiring veterinarian surgeon Fergus, from Perth, has been named one of the winners of the Redkite and Coles Dare to…
Dare to Dream Scholarship Winner: Fergus’s Story
Aspiring veterinarian surgeon Fergus, from Perth, has been named one of the winners of the Redkite and Coles Dare to…
How his son’s cancer diagnosis changed Josh’s perspective on fatherhood
Before Josh’s son, Nate, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at four years old, Josh’s young family of five…
How his son’s cancer diagnosis changed Josh’s perspective on fatherhood
Before Josh’s son, Nate, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at four years old, Josh’s young family of five…
Nate and Rachel’s family story
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.”
Nate and Rachel’s family story
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.”
Kellee and Tye’ronne: We didn’t know where our next meal was coming from
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.
Kellee and Tye’ronne: We didn’t know where our next meal was coming from
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.
Rachel and Josh: Our community came together to support us
The practical and emotional support Rachel and Josh received from their neighbours and extended community meant they could focus on Nate’s treatment.
Rachel and Josh: Our community came together to support us
The practical and emotional support Rachel and Josh received from their neighbours and extended community meant they could focus on Nate’s treatment.
Vienna’s Dare to Dream story
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’s Dare to Dream story
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.
Why Pavithra volunteers at Redkite
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.
Why Pavithra volunteers at Redkite
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’s story: The treatments took a toll on 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.
Susannah’s story: The treatments took a toll on 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.
Why Stephen volunteers at Redkite
Stephen has been volunteering with Redkite for 12 months, providing reflexology to the parents and families of children facing childhood cancer in hospital.
Why Stephen volunteers at Redkite
Stephen has been volunteering with Redkite for 12 months, providing reflexology to the parents and families of children facing childhood cancer in hospital.
Jack’s journey back to the cricket field
The last time we heard from Jack, he was heading into his final year of high school and adjusting to…
Jack’s journey back to the cricket field
The last time we heard from Jack, he was heading into his final year of high school and adjusting to…
Sienna’s Dare to Dream story
When Sienna applied for the 2023 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship, she was already in acting and drama…
Sienna’s Dare to Dream story
When Sienna applied for the 2023 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship, she was already in acting and drama…
Mackenzie and Adrian’s story
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.
Mackenzie and Adrian’s story
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.
Stephanie and Archie’s story: Our community rallied around us
When Stephanie’s son Archie was diagnosed with cancer, their family and community came together and rallied around them.
Stephanie and Archie’s story: Our community rallied around us
When Stephanie’s son Archie was diagnosed with cancer, their family and community came together and rallied around them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roman: Pa Phil and Granny Sharon
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: Pa Phil and Granny Sharon
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
“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
“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 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.
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.
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.
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.”`
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.
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’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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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’.”
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