SOUTH Perth resident Sean Dondas joined CanTeen at 14 years old, after his mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer.
A year later, she passed away leaving Mr Dondas and his two younger brothers wards of the state.
Today, the 24-year-old has been nominated for the WA Young Achiever Awards for the work he has done over the years with the organisation, which helps young people cope with cancer in their family and provides them specialist, youth-specific treatment teams.
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READ NOW“It was at my first camp that I came to understand what CanTeen was about; it allowed me to just be myself and not feel like I had to pretend things were ok,” Mr Dondas said
Ten years on, Mr Dondas has held the roles of secretary, vice president and president of CanTeen’s WA Member Committee, served as a national representative on the Member Advisory Council and in 2015 was elected as a board member.
Throughout these roles he has acted as sounding board and confidante, advocated for increased awareness, contributed to governance reforms and organised a range of fundraisers and youth activities.
The WA Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of all young people over ten categories.
Winners will be announced on May 26.
Award Category Nominees
Young Leadership Award: Bradan Sonnendecker, Como; Jessica Bennett-Hullin, Burswood; Sophie Stewart , Burswood Community Service and Volunteering Award: Sarah McBride, Salter Point; Sahra Abdi, Kewdale Environment and Sustainability Award: Xavier Leenders, Carlisle Agriculture Award: Mai Nguyen, South Perth Arts and Fashion Award: Jessica Cala, Karawara Sports Award: Trent Mitton, Como; Georgia Wilson, Rivervale Small Business Achiever Award: Jessica Cala, Karawara Achievement Award: Sean Barry, Como Innovation Award: Quanling Deng, South Perth
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