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2018 Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream scholarships help turn young dreams into reality

Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarships aim to help young people overcome some of the emotional, physical and practical hurdles of living with – and after – cancer.

Adelaide’s Allie Garland was devastated when the physical side-effects of her cancer treatment meant she could no longer pursue her midwifery career. But then this setback created a life-changing opportunity.

“When I wasn’t physically able to continue studying midwifery, I turned to study wildlife conservation, which sparked my interest in documentaries,” Allie said.

“I found joy in media production and filmmaking, and although I never really saw it as a feasible career path, my cancer pushed me to remember to do what I love in life and not fear the future.”

Allie is one of three national recipients of the 2018 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship to receive $5,000 to help them achieve their study and career goals in 2019.  

The scholarships aim to help young people overcome some of the emotional, physical and practical hurdles of living with – and after – cancer. Recipients use the funds to assist with essential education, training and career-related expenses. This includes university or course fees, textbooks or equipment, sports gear, travel costs for an internship, or specialist coaching.

Along with the three national recipients, five inspiring young national finalists received $3,000 towards their future, 24 scholarship recipients received $2,000, and four received $1,000, thanks to the generous support of Coles.

Coles CEO Steven Cain said Coles was proud of its long-standing partnership with Redkite and pleased to continue its support of the scholarship program which gives young people an opportunity to follow their dreams.

“We’re delighted to help support inspiring young people like Allie in cities and towns across the country and give them an opportunity to take more control of their future and achieve their goals,” Mr Cain said.

Allie will use her award to purchase film equipment and invest in her future. The scholarship has put her one step closer to realising her dream of becoming an independent film maker.

Resilience and determination are common themes in the stories of all 36 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship recipients this year, each aged between 15 to 24 years old.*

One recipient, Nikhil Autar, now 25, from Western Sydney, will invest his $2,000 scholarship in an innovative product he hopes will revolutionise at-home care.

Nikhil was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia at 17, and his start-up business, Get To Sleep Easy has invented a smart inclining bed and a robotic walking frame, inspired by his time in hospital.

Another cancer survivor Andre Perrone, 20, is looking to the past to create his future. Andre, from Melbourne’s north, will use his $2,000 scholarship to renovate and re-open his grandfather’s popular barbershop; creating a livelihood that honours his family’s proud heritage. 

Rebecca Green’s dream may seem humble but her $2,000 scholarship will revolutionise her daily life. As a child, Rebecca was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which has had a long-term impact on her learning. Rebecca needs a specialised driving instructor and 75 hours of driving supervision – now covered by her scholarship – to achieve her longed-for goal of getting her license and gaining her independence to drive to work and TAFE.

Other recipients plan to use their scholarship to make a variety of ambitious dreams a reality, including working in Japan’s tech industry, opening a café, becoming a psychologist and helping improve the wellbeing of children with cancer.

Redkite CEO Monique Keighery said the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarships can change young lives.

“Each year we are inspired by the calibre and strength of the applications we receive. This year we have seen many young people apply for our scholarships, which demonstrates there is a real need for young cancer patients and survivors to receive career and study support during and after cancer treatment,” Ms Keighery said.

“Young people tell us that a scholarship is a real vote of confidence in their plans for the future, and we are proud to be able to help them build their best possible education and career pathways.”

Click here for more information on: Coles Dare to Dream Scholarships.

*Please note: the 2020 Dare to Dream Scholarship eligibility has changed and applications are now open to those aged 13-18. 

To ensure Redkite can continue providing essential counselling and financial assistance to families, and keep up with increased demand at this time, you can donate today.
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