Two young Australians living with long-term impacts of cancer are being given the chance to rebuild their futures with $5000 in support from Coles and its generous customers.

17-year-old Brandan, a budding filmmaker from Queensland currently undergoing cancer treatment, and 16-year-old Millie from New South Wales, turning recovery into a sensory fashion business – have been named winners of the 2025 Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.

Finding purpose behind the camera

Brandan, from Cairns, undergoing treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Brisbane, has been separated from his twin sister, family, and friends. Despite the upheaval, he has found purpose in film and photography.

“Cancer’s taken me out of school and away from friends, but thanks to this scholarship, I can start chasing my dream of making films,” said Brandan.

His mother, Kylie, added, “Without this scholarship, it would be harder to do this. He’ll now have all the tools to be able to catch up and be back on track.”

Turning cancer recovery into sensory-friendly fashion

Millie, from Sydney, completed treatment for stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma earlier this year, on top of living with ADHD, severe dyslexia, and anxiety.

“Treatment threw me from working so hard to tolerate the school environment and social life,into a noisy, brightly lit sensory overload of oncology clinics,” Millie said.

Her dream is to create a line of sensory-friendly clothing and fidget products for neurodivergent teens. With her scholarship, she will design custom hoodies, take sewing lessons, and launch her own small business.

Her mother, Sally added, “This is just another chance to show Millie’s strengths that make her shine. And I think it’s okay not to be a normal teenager. You create your own destiny.”

Support for life beyond treatment

Now in its 12th year, the Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship is a lifeline of hope and a powerful reminder that their future is still full of possibility.

“The end of childhood cancer treatment doesn’t mean the end of its impact,” said Redkite CEO, Monique Keighery. “The Redkite & Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship recognises the resilience and ambition of young cancer patients and survivors, providing extra support so they can look to the future with confidence. And it is made possible thanks to the generosity and care of Coles team members and customers across Australia.”

Brad Gorman, Coles General Manager Commercial of Bakery, Dairy & Frozen, and one of the judges on the 2025 Dare to Dream panel, said Coles was extremely proud of its longstanding partnership with Redkite.

“Each year, the stories of these young Dare to Dream Scholarship recipients inspire our team members and customers. We’re proud this partnership has already helped hundreds of young people affected by childhood cancer, and we can’t wait to see what Brandan and Millie achieve,” he said.