New and exclusive research has exposed a devastating financial crisis gripping Australian families battling childhood cancer, with six in ten forced to make heartbreaking sacrifices just to keep their heads above water.
The Crushing Financial Burden of Childhood Cancer
A recent survey of 500 families by children's cancer charity Redkite found that a staggering 59 per cent experienced high or severe financial difficulty in the past year, struggling to meet everyday living costs. The data shows that 65 per cent of these families have been compelled to drain their life savings to survive.
Monique Keighery, CEO of Redkite, explained the devastating ripple effect. "When a parent has to stop work and the costs pile up, their savings are drained," she said. "Over time, that constant pressure can create lasting trauma – a deep impact on family life, their identity, stability and wellbeing that can endure long after treatment ends."
A Personal Story of Struggle and Hope
Brianna Moseley, 15, is one of the young Australians supported by Redkite. She finished treatment for a rare blood cancer, acute promyelocytic leukaemia, in July. Her diagnosis came after excessive nose bleeds, leading to nine gruelling months of chemotherapy every weekday, including her birthday and Christmas.
"It's been kind of scary going back to normal life but it's good," Brianna shared. During her treatment, finding solace in helping her dad restore cars on weekends provided a vital distraction from her reality.
Dreams Rebuilt Through Critical Support
This year, Brianna's passion received a significant boost through a $3000 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream scholarship. She is now planning to upgrade her tools and begin a mechanics course.
"Working on the car took my mind off of everything going on," she said. "The scholarship has been really good financially because my mum has seven kids."
These annual scholarships are part of a broader support system. Coles has raised $55 million for Redkite since 2013. Year-round support continues through a 5-cent donation for every specially marked Coles brand bread sold in supermarkets or online, alongside team member fundraising initiatives.
