Carmen Duvel’s plan to become a childcare worker is back on track after she successfully secured a grant in the 2017 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship to help fund her course fees and new study resources.  

Carmen, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma at 18 years old and is now in remission with quarterly hospital check-ups, said the $2000 scholarship relieved a significant financial pressure off her and her family.  

“The scholarship has made it that much easier to get on with life. I’m not under financial stress anymore, which I previously found hard to cope with on top of everything else going on. Now I can really focus on my dream of changing young children’s lives for the better and giving them the best start possible.”
Carmen said without the scholarship, completing her studies would be a lot more stressful.  

Redkite has awarded 34 scholarships to young Australians aged 15 to 24 years old who are being treated for cancer or are living with its impact. Now in its fifth year, the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship program encourages teens and young adults to pursue their education, career or life dreams that have been sidelined because of undergoing cancer treatment.  

In addition to the 26 state recipients who each received $2,000, five national finalists have been awarded $3,000 and three national winners received $5,000 to put towards their dream.  

Coles Managing Director, John Durkan, who was a judge on the scholarship panel, said Coles was pleased to support  Redkite’s  scholarship program which gave young people an opportunity to follow their dreams.  “We’re proud to help support inspiring young people like Carmen in cities and towns across Queensland and provide them with an opportunity to pursue their goals and take control of their future,” Mr Durkan said.  

Redkite CEO, Jenni Seton, said the Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarships could change young lives. “Each year we are inspired by the calibre and strength of the applications we receive. This year we have seen an increase in the number of applications from last year, which demonstrates that there is a real need within the young adult community for career and study support after cancer treatment,” Ms Seton said. 

“Young people tell us that a scholarship is a real vote of confidence in their plans for the future, and we are proud to be able to help them build their best possible education and career pathways.  Thanks to Coles team members and customers, we have been able to continue this important program for five years. We simply wouldn’t have been able to do this without them.”  

In addition to the scholarships, Redkite has provided individual support to more than 330 children, teenagers and young adults this year through its Education and Career Support service which is also funded by Coles. 

Coles’ generous team members and customers have raised more than $27 million for Redkite since the partnership began in 2013.  

About Redkite: Redkite is an Australian cancer charity supporting the emotional, financial and education needs of children and young people with cancer and their families from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. www.redkite.org.au

Submitted by:
Stephanie Atkinson
Account Director
Lighthouse Communications Group

 

Powered By WP Content Discovery