Dare to dream scholarship Finalist: Georgia’s story

Aspiring medical student Georgia, 17, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.  

“I’d really like to get into medicine or nursing. I want to meet new people and experience new things. There’s so much to do out there.” 

Georgia, 17, from Cairns, was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in January 2022 at the age of 14. 

“I had a fever for a couple of weeks. I wasn’t feeling hungry at all, and my mouth was quite sore, so my mum took me to the GP. A blood test picked up Leukaemia. I was so shocked, I couldn’t believe it.” 

Georgia was in New South Wales at the time of diagnosis and had to go to the nearest children’s hospital in Brisbane.  

“I found out I had COVID on the same day as being diagnosed. We had to start treatment straight away so I had to go into a special isolation ward for the month of treatment and have all my lumbar punctures and port put in under COVID protocol.  

Border closures and strict isolation measures were in place. This meant her family was separated at the beginning of treatment, with Georgia and mum Sophie in Brisbane, and dad Andrew and sister Morgan in Cairns.  

After six months, the family decided to move to Brisbane for the rest of treatment. 

“After two-and-a-half years, doctors gave me the all-clear, so I’ve been starting to do more fun things like hiking. I go back every three months for a check-up and blood test.” 

Georgia’s Inspiration

Georgia’s inspiration behind her love of medicine comes from her own journey with cancer and having a fantastic medical team. 

“I wasn’t really thinking about going into medicine until I went into the hospital and saw what doctors and nurses actually do. I felt like I wanted to give back because they had done so much for me.” 

Georgia had major complications from treatment, including developing multiple blood infections, steroid-induced diabetes, and      Osteonecrosis, which caused her to be in a wheelchair for a year to keep pressure off her joints. Her hip joints, knees and shoulders had lasting damage. 

“I was devastated when I was diagnosed with Osteonecrosis during my Leukaemia treatment. I had to spend 12 months in a wheelchair to prevent my joints from collapsing. It was really hard, not being able to do the things my friends were doing or do sport or exercise.” 

Georgia was worried that her physical and long-term mental health would stop her from following her dream, but earlier this year she was told she can start physical exercise and activities again. 

“I’m now out of the wheelchair and feeling hopeful about the future. Helping people has become my goal, and I hope to one day make the same positive difference in someone else’s life.” 

Georgia’s Dream

Georgia’s Dare to Dream Scholarship will help to fund her future in medicine. 

“Being told I was a finalist for the Redkite Scholarship was a huge surprise. I was so excited and honoured! It’s such a great program that helps young people work toward their dreams.” 

“My experience with childhood cancer has given me an understanding of the importance of compassionate care, and it has inspired me to pursue a career where I can give back and support others facing similar challenges.” 

Her journey is one of strength and resilience and she will put the money towards buying a new laptop, course fees and textbooks. 

“The Dare to Dream scholarship was very specific. I thought to be able to achieve my dream of getting into medicine or nursing, I might need a little bit of extra help with funding.” 

“My advice to others thinking of applying for the Dare to Dream Scholarship is, don’t doubt yourself. Believe in your potential, you never know what you’re capable of until you try.”   

Since 2013, Redkite and Coles have awarded 450 Dare to Dream Scholarships worth over $800,000 to support young Australians whose aspirations and goals have been impacted by their cancer diagnosis.