The scholarship is a one off grant for young people who have a serious illness and offers them a chance to follow their career dreams. 

Francesca was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in March of this year, during her Year 12 HSC trials. 

“I had surgery to remove the cancer and am all clear now, but it was difficult,” Francesca said. 

“I found out about the scholarship a few weeks before I graduated Year 12. The people at the Ronald McDonald House told me about it and suggested I should apply.”

The grants are up to $5000 and go towards furthering the recipients education. 

“I had always wanted to be a teacher but now I think psychology will be a better fit for me, it’s what I want to study.”

Francesca said the support from the scholarship will help her further her education after Year 12.

“It doesn’t feel normal, it’s so great. It’s really good to know I have the support of the scholarship behind me,” she said. 

For any other young people going through the same situation as Francesca, she said knowing the support is there makes all the difference. 

“Young people need to know to not give up. There is that support out there. It’s really helped me,” she said.

Francesca is hoping to use the grant to study psychology at the University of Newcastle.