Aspiring cameraman Brandan, 17, has been named one of the winners of the 2025 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.  

“My goal is to pursue a career in media and film – an industry I’ve been passionate about for as long as I can remember,” Brandan said. 

Brandan, from Cairns, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in July 2024, after dealing with severe bowel issues for two weeks. After going to the doctors’ multiple times, he finally had a blood test.  

“We got a call an hour later. He nearly fainted when he had the blood test as well. He was just so weak and could hardly walk,” mum Kylie said. 

“They were testing for it, because they tested for everything else beforehand and nothing came up positive, so they were testing for leukaemia, and that’s what came up positive,” Brandan said. 

Brandan and Kylie were put on a plane at 2am and flown to Brisbane for treatment. 

“I was in hospital about 10 weeks at the start with treatment.” 

Brandan and his family made the tough decision to relocate to Brisbane for treatment, packing up their life in Cairns. Initially, Brandan and Kylie were in Brisbane by themselves, and the separation was difficult, especially for Brandan and his twin sister Montana.  

Brandan’s treatment is ongoing and he is currently studying Year 11 via distance education.  

Brandan’s Inspiration

Brandan has always had a passion for media and film and wanted to pursue a career in the field after taking a high school class on media. 

“I just enjoyed the class and learning about all the different angles, types of shots, lighting, and all that.” 

“Before my diagnosis, I was on a clear path, taking part in school projects, filming with friends, and planning to study media after school. Cancer may have disrupted that journey, but it hasn’t changed my passion or determination.” 

In hospital, he had the chance to co-host an episode of Juice TV, a program made by and for young people in hospital, which gave him hands-on experience in front of the camera. 

He also interviewed NRL star Sam Thaiday and got to work alongside a film crew. 

“These moments have reminded me why I love media: the power of storytelling, connection, and creativity.” 

Brandan’s Dream

Brandan’s Dare to Dream Scholarship will help fund his dream of working in media and film, going towards camera equipment, editing software and a TAFE course. 

“Having access to my own equipment would allow me to practice filming and editing in my spare time, experiment with different styles, and build a portfolio to support future study or job applications.” 

The Scholarship will also mean Brandan can focus on his creative goals while he goes through treatment and “remind me of who I am beyond cancer”. 

“This scholarship would not just help me financially; it would give me the tools and confidence to keep pursuing the career I’ve always dreamed of, even through one of the toughest times in my life.” 

For Kylie, seeing her son imagine his future is special in itself. 

“It’s actually beautiful to see Brandan looking at the next five months, because it was just a day-at-a-time thing and Brandan couldn’t see anything past what he had to do that day. I think this too has just given him such a boost. He can really see a future now and being able to achieve that.” 

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.