Dare to Dream Scholarship helps future oncology nurse Matthew pass the test. 

Queensland-based eighteen-year-old Matthew Rings’ cancer diagnosis only made him more determined to complete his Diploma and become a registered nurse. He is one of eight inspiring young Australians to be awarded a 2022 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. 

In February 2022, Matthew was diagnosed with bone cancer just hours before attending his first online nursing lecture. After initially dropping out of the program, Matthew decided he would push through the pain and finish his studies online in the hospital while on treatment. Despite feeling sick, tired, and isolated, this incredibly resilient teen won’t stop until he has achieved his goals.  

‘’It will be a long hard road ahead, but I am determined to beat this and to become a nurse to help others going through similar hardships. It is important that I help people, and that I give back as I understand how hard life can be when you are sick. I would like to be an oncology nurse to help other cancer patients,’’ he said.  

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. 

This truly inspiring teen has used his cancer diagnosis as motivation to find the strength to keep going despite his personal challenges.  

‘’Cancer has caused me to feel tired, sad, and isolated. It’s been very hard on my family both emotionally and financially. I want to go back to school, see my friends, complete my nursing studies, and eventually be able to work as an oncology nurse to help care for others. I have already passed the first unit of the nursing course whilst having treatment, I am currently halfway through the second unit and soon will have 8 units left to complete.’’  

Matthew’s Grandma has been there every step of the way and believes the scholarship will absolutely set him up for success.  

‘’ I have seen Matthew challenged with such hardships this year and have also seen him get through barriers and achieve success. He has shown high levels of resilience, and positivity and has worked hard to stay on track with his goals. 

We watch the weekly online nursing lectures together, I scribe for Matthew when doing his homework and assignments as he currently cannot use one arm/hand. I see Matthew tired, in pain, and having trouble concentrating from chemo brain. Despite this, he never gives up. Matthew always has the end goal in mind.’’, she says.  

Since 2013, Redkite and Coles have awarded more than $650,000 in Dare to Dream Scholarships to support young Australians whose aspirations and goals have been impacted by their cancer diagnosis.