Aspiring scientist and wildlife conservationist, Rosie, has been named one of the ten finalists for the 2024 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship. 

“My time in the hospital during my leukaemia treatment catalysed my passion for research in medical science. It brought my awareness to the need to develop safer treatments for diseases, especially for childhood cancer.” 

The Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship was established 11 years ago, to inspire young people whose physical or mental health has been affected by cancer and to achieve their goals and ambitions. This scholarship, funded by Coles, helps young people build their future and can be put towards education or life goals.  

Rosie was diagnosed at 15 with Acute Myleoid Leukaemia, in the midst of Covid-19 in January 2021.  

“There were no signs of anything being wrong, but I remember looking at her the night before we found out and saying, ‘you look really tired’,” mum Vanessa said. 

“She had dark circles under her eyes and she never really did, but it was school holidays and she was out socialising a lot, so I thought it was just that.” 

The next morning, Vanessa received a call from the doctor saying they needed to make an appointment because a recent blood test showed Rosie had a very high level of blast cells. 

“He just came out with it and said it looks like leukaemia.” 

While waiting to see their regular GP that day, the doctor called and told the family to go straight to Tweed Hospital. Vanessa told Rosie to pack a bag for a couple of days and they jumped in the car and set off.  

After more tests, the family were sent to Queensland Children’s Hospital across the border. There, the oncologist told the family Rosie would be required to stay in hospital for at least six months. 

“When we were driving to Brisbane, I was thinking there was still a way out of this. But when the oncologist told me I was finally like, this is really happening. I was really confused,” Rosie said.

With Covid-19 in full flight at the time, border closures impacted who could travel across the border and be in the hospital with Rosie. Vanessa and Rosie stayed together at the Queensland Children’s Hospital and Rosie’s dad Edward would come to see her every week.  

Rosie underwent four rounds of chemotherapy, the longest cycle lasting 47 days. In total, Rosie spent 168 days in hospital. In that time, Rosie and Vanessa were only able to spend 27 days home.  

“I was on intravenous nutrition during my treatment so I was so happy to just be at home and eat home cooked food.  My friends would come to visit me. We’d catch up and spend time in the sun and cuddle the dogs.” 

Her time in hospital meant Rosie missed out on a lot, both academically and socially. 

“I ended up missing my entire year 10 education and lost the opportunity to complete my maths and chemistry HSC accelerated. I feared I would never catch up, graduate high school or go to university.” 

Despite this setback Rosie went on to achieve top marks in some of her subjects and graduated in the top 5% of her cohort. She was accepted into the University of Sydney in 2024 and is studying a double degree of Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies, with a double major in Taronga Wildlife Conservation and Applied Medical Science. 

“I just wanted to prove to myself that I could still do really well even though I had missed a year of school. And I did well, so I was really happy, but it was really stressful.” 

Her time in hospital and her love of animals influenced her degree. 

“From being in the hospital, I was really interested in medical science and medical research and I just really wanted to do both of them.” 

“With wildlife conservation I would really like to go out and collect data and come up with strategies on how to protect endangered species.” 

Rosie wants to leave a mark on the treatment of childhood cancer, to make sure that children and young people have better experiences and outcomes, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too.  

“I liked it when things were explained to me. I liked to know what was going on. Sometimes I felt like a little bit left out of conversations and I definitely liked to know what was going on with me.” 

Having previously applied for the Dare to Dream Scholarship, Rosie has been able to buy a new laptop for her studies and a camera for her photography passion. 

“To be a finalist this year is really exciting. It’s exciting to be able to share my story as well, I’ve never had an opportunity like this before.” 

“Uni is really expensive so anything will help.” 

The Scholarship will be especially helpful as Rosie had to relocate to Sydney earlier this year, with all the responsibilities that come with living independently in a share house. She has been happy to spend more time with her sister and extended family in Sydney.

“My dream is to make a difference. I want to improve the world, help people and help the animals.” 

“I’m very grateful to be living a normal life now and going to uni.” 

Since 2013, Redkite and Coles have awarded 500 Dare to Dream Scholarships worth over $800,500 to support young Australians whose aspirations and goals have been impacted by their cancer diagnosis.