National childhood cancer support charity Redkite has opened applications for its Dare to Dream scholarships — designed to support young Australians whose cancer diagnosis has put their life on hold.

Funded with the support of Coles, the scholarships of up to $5000 can be put towards education or life goals that have been disrupted due to the impact cancer has on a child’s physical and mental wellbeing.

Since 2013, Redkite and Coles have awarded 257 Dare to Dream scholarships worth over $570,000 to young people with cancer and this year scholarships are available for children aged 13-18 across Australia.

Eighteen-year-old Teah Stanford from Perth, who was diagnosed with Medullabastoma when she was just two years old, was a recipient of a $3000 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship in 2019, which she put towards her love of pet photography.

“It really sucked because of all the side effects from having cancer reminded me every day that I had cancer – I was still ‘The Cancer Kid’. I got over it and I’m now I’m finally on the road to doing something that I love,” Teah said. “Finding out that I’d won a Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship made my year. It gave my confidence a massive boost and it’s encouraged me to apply for a TAFE course that I’m interested in.”

Coles Chief Operations Officer Matt Swindells said the Dare to Dream scholarships were crucial in supporting the wellbeing of young Australians.

“We’re delighted to be working with Redkite to support kids in cities and towns across the country living with cancer,” he said.“We recognise how important wellness and mental wellbeing is for children seeking to achieve their goals. These scholarships will help give young cancer patients the chance to realise their goals at what is an incredibly difficult period in their lives.”

Redkite CEO Monique Keighery said she was proud to help kids achieve their dream once again.

“Dare to Dream isn’t about wish fulfilment, it’s about recognising that a child who has gone through cancer has ambitions for their education and future, and that that they may need a little extra help redefining what that future might look like and how to get there,” she said.

She continues these scholarships provided over the past seven years, in partnership with Coles, help funds those additional resources that young cancer patients and survivors identify as important to achieving their goals. It gives them an opportunity to set the course for the future they want and deserve.

Keighery added that with the support of Coles team members and customers, Redkite was able to help approximately 2100 families around the country over the past 12 months.

“Redkite has always taken a holistic approach to supporting children and young people through their cancer. This program is only possible thanks to the generosity and care of the Coles team and customers,” she said.

Applications open on Monday 27 July and close on Sunday 6 September and are available to children aged 13-18 years.