Chelsea leaving cancer in her wake

TRINITY BEACH cancer survivor’s plan to work in medicine/dentistry is back on track after being awarded a state scholarship to help fund new study resources.

Chelsea Hirschmann was diagnosed with sarcoma, a tumour that occurs in the bones and soft tissue, when she was 15 years old.

Now, four years in, she is in remission and attends annual hospital check-ups.

Currently studying nursing at James Cook University, she said she hoped to be accepted into either dentistry or medicine in the New Year.

She said the $2000 2017 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship would ensure she had the best chance to further her career.

“I want to reach my full potential with my studies,” she said. “Because of my health, I have been limited to what I’ve been able to do in the past.

“This scholarship will give me access to valuable textbooks that I haven’t been able to buy in previous years because of financial pressures.”

Redkite awarded 34 scholarships to young Australians aged 15 to 24 who are being treated for cancer or are living with its impact.

Now in its fifth year, the scholarship program encourages teens and young adults to pursue their education, career or life dreams that have been sidelined because of undergoing cancer treatment.