Brandan and Millie, two young Australians, have faced challenging journeys through cancer that have shaped their lives profoundly. At just 16, Brandan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, leading him to relocate from Cairns to Brisbane for treatment, severely isolating him from his family, friends, and twin sister. The emotional and financial strains of his cancer journey took a toll, as he missed out on school and social experiences. However, he discovered a passion for film and photography during his treatment, which helped him cope. He recently received the Dare to Dream Scholarship, helping him pursue his aspirations in media with $5000.
Similarly, Millie’s battle began when she was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 16. After undergoing six months of intense chemotherapy, she rang the bell to signify the end of her treatment, but her journey is not over. Millie reported that recovery has proven to be more challenging than the treatment itself, as she grapples with the psychological impacts of cancer and learns to navigate life post-treatment. Despite these difficulties, she envisions starting a clothing line dedicated to creating accessible hoodies for teens undergoing cancer treatments. Millie’s scholarship win will facilitate her ambitions, including thoughtful design features for neurodivergent teens.
Over 20,000 Australians live with the long-term repercussions of childhood cancer, facing various physical and emotional challenges. Scholarships like Dare to Dream play a crucial role in aiding survivors like Brandan and Millie to reclaim their futures while addressing the gaps they’ve faced due to their health journeys. Both young adults embody resilience, looking ahead with hope and determination as they carve out paths towards achieving their dreams despite their tumultuous experiences.