General News
25 August, 2025
Student dares to dream
Teenage cancer patient wins scholarship to pursue filmmaking
TEENAGE cancer patient Brandan Trueman of Cairns has been named co-winner of the 2025 Dare to Dream Scholarship.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in September 2024, the 17-year-old is still undergoing treatment in Brisbane, but is determined to chase his dream of a future in film and media – and the scholarship is helping make that possible.
He will use the scholarship funding to buy a new laptop, camera gear and enrol in a TAFE media course, kickstarting his goal to work behind the camera.
It’s a huge step forward for a teen who, until recently, couldn’t even leave the hospital for weeks at a time during intensive treatment.
Mr Trueman has been separated from his twin sister, family and friends but, 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,” he said.
His mother Kylie said without the scholarship, it would be harder for him.
“He’ll now have all the tools to be able to catch up and be back on track,” she said.
Now in its 12th year, the national program helps young people aged 13 to 18, among the 20,000 young Australians living with long-term impacts of cancer, rebuild their futures with $5000 in support from Coles and its customers.
“The end of childhood cancer treatment doesn’t mean the end of its impact,” said Redkite CEO Monique Keighery.
“The Redkite and 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,” she said.
Coles bakery, dairy and frozen commercial general manager Brad Gorman, who was a scholarship judge, said Coles was 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,” he said.
“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 (co-winner) Millie achieve.”
