Annalise Tenhave is not one to give up on her dreams easily.
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The debilitating chronic fatigue syndrome is an ongoing battle for the Wollongong resident.
Then in 2016 she was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer. But this only reinforced the 21-year-old’s resolve to become a successful psychologist.
Nevertheless she was thankful to receive support in the form of a Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.
Miss Tenhave, who is in the maintenance and management stages of her cancer diagnosis, is using the $2000 scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Psychology degree at the University of Wollongong.
“When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I was forced to consider my resources when it came to my studies. I had no energy, no money, lapses in motivation, constant medication, operations behind me and procedures looming ahead,” she said.
“My mum always told me to keep dreaming – and that I did.
“When I found out I had won the scholarship, my experience felt validated and made me believe that my dedication to studying psychology was all worth it.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be recognised in your darkest times, and Redkite has reminded me that nothing can stop you from pursuing your dreams.”
Miss Tenhave added that the staff at Redkite had gone above and beyond in their support.
“I’m seriously considering working for Redkite. They are a terrific organisation,” she said.
Now in its sixth 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.
Thirty-six young Australians aged 15 to 24 years old who are being treated for cancer or are living with its impact have received a financial contribution of up to $5000 to pursue their dreams from the initiative.