Towards a Better Future: Teen’s journey from cancer diagnosis to medical career

When Sam Ottery was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15, his life was turned upside down but thankfully, there were some pleasant surprises headed his way.

When Sam Ottery was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15, his life was turned upside down but thankfully, there were some pleasant surprises headed his way.

Not only was Ottery about to gain a best friend in Ace, a pedigree Nova Scotia Duck Toller Retriever – a wish granted by the Starlight Foundation – he would also become the recipient of a $5000 Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship.

After being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the now 18-year-old from Turramurra in Sydney missed much of his senior high school years to undergo treatment.

Redkite and Coles Dare to Dream Scholarship recipient and Sam Ottery, 18, with Ace, a pedigree Nova Scotia Duck Toller Retriever. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

Despite his absence, Ottery achieved an ATAR score that would see him accepted into medical science at Macquarie University.

The gifted teen had always been interested in science, but living with his illness intensified this, turning his future focus to a career as a doctor or researcher.

“When I was diagnosed, I was having long chats with nurses and asking complex questions,” Ottery said.

“Mum is a nurse and I would ask how it all worked when I had an MRI or CAT scan. It grew my interest for medicine.”

Ottery became the national winner of the Dare to Dream Scholarship after submitting his moving application on how he was affected by cancer, his goals for the future and how the scholarship would help him achieve them.

The scholarship money will go toward a new iPad Pro and desk to help Ottery with his university studies.

Sam was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia at age 15. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

The Dare to Dream Scholarship was established in 2013 to help young people whose lives were put on hold because of cancer.

More than 300 people have shared in $650,000 to help achieve their goals.

“Coles is delighted to be able to support young people like Samuel to follow their passions through the Dare to Dream Scholarship program,” Coles general manager corporate affairs Sally Fielke said.

“We hope that together with Redkite, we can help these talented young Australians to look to a future beyond their cancer diagnosis.”

Redkite CEO Monique Keighery said the scholarship program was an investment in the future of these young people.

“The inspiring young applicants have all demonstrated incredible resilience in the most traumatic of circumstances,” she said.

“It is a privilege and a delight to be able to support them and follow them on their journey.”

Towards a Better Future campaign in conjunction with Coles’ Better Together strategy will share stories on Farming, Local Communities, Health & Wellbeing, and Sustainability/Food Waste to shine a light on the people, charities and organisations that are helping make our country a better place to live.

Originally published as Towards a Better Future: Teen’s journey from cancer diagnosis to medical career