Keasine is determined to help children with cancer thanks to the Dare to Dream Scholarship

Keasine, 16, dreams of becoming a paediatric oncologist to help children with cancer like her. She is one of eight inspiring young Australians to receive a Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. 

A dedicated student and star athlete, Keasine had her eyes on studying engineering at the University of Queensland. Her favourite subjects are English literature, engineering, and maths.

In February of that 2022, Keasine was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Today, she dreams of becoming a paediatric oncologist so she can help other children diagnosed with cancer. 

The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established to inspire young people whose physical or mental health has been affected by cancer, to achieve their goals and ambitions. This scholarship, funded by Coles, helps young people build their future and can be put towards education or life goals. 

While undergoing chemotherapy, Keasine needed to prioritise her health, which meant taking a step back from school and her focus on her studies. 

“I was struggling a lot with fatigue, nausea, pain, and my mental health. Even though I was feeling weak I continued to push myself and study. But as each cycle went by, the weaker I became” she said.

Having to re-evaluate her future, Keasine was inspired by the doctors, nurses, and other children around her in the hospital, which made her strive for a future career in oncology.  

“Becoming an oncologist is very important to me personally because of what I’ve been through myself as well as seeing other children go through worse.” 

To ensure she can study medicine at the University of Queensland, Keasine is working towards taking extra classes and getting a tutor for mathematics and English. 

“This scholarship will make a huge difference to not only myself but my family,” she says. “The tutorials and masterclasses will not only help me achieve my goals but will help my parents take some weight off their backs.” 

Keasine’s Dad believes his daughter’s passion for others is what will make her a great future oncologist. 

“My daughter loves to help others. She has not stopped caring for all the younger kids with cancer she sees every day. I know she will be great at anything she puts her mind to.” 

Since 2013, Redkite and Coles have awarded 336 Dare to Dream Scholarships worth over $700,000 to support young Australians whose aspirations and goals have been impacted by their cancer diagnosis.