When 31-year-old Jarrett Anthoney was 14, he and his family faced the unimaginable when his 11-year-old sister, Dainere, was diagnosed with brain cancer.

For Jarrett, his parents, Stephen and Yvonne, older sister, Nalani, and Dainere, their lives were forever altered.

And in the years that followed, they dedicated themselves to supporting Dainere and each other through arduous treatment regimens, constant travel and long periods away from Canberra.

“Dainere was required to go to Sydney for treatments and care because there were no facilities or specialists in Canberra,” says Jarrett.

Dainere faced incredible hardship, knowing she had brain cancer and feeling frustrated, with no longer being able to enjoy things like sport and school.

“Despite this, she decided that something more needed to be done about childhood cancer,” says Jarrett.

“So, Dainere started writing a blog of her treatments and that blog became the book she published with her Starlight Wish.

“It was called You Have to Go Through a Storm to Get to a Rainbow,” he says.

Jarrett says Dainere’s intention was to make people aware of her story and childhood brain cancer, so that perhaps a cure could be found.

“Dainere didn’t want others to suffer like she did,” says Jarrett.

At 7:25pm on 24 June 2013, Dainere finally lost her valiant battle with brain cancer.

She was 15 years old.

Jarrett had just turned 18.

In the four years between her diagnoses and heartbreaking death, and despite her own suffering, Dainere raised a lot of awareness, and a lot of money, to make a difference.

“She also left a very big list of ideas for our family and because of Dainere’s bravery … and all her wonderful ideas, our family decided to continue that legacy for her in memory of her,” says Jarrett.

Dainere’s Rainbow was subsequently established, 8 February 2014 on what would have been Dainere’s 16th birthday.

As of 30 June 2026, Dainere’s Rainbow has raised $806,646.

“100% of funds go directly into research, drug trials and supporting families,” says Jarrett.

Before Dainere’s death, Jarrett, decided that he too wanted to raise money.

It was the beginning of 2013, a year after doctors had told Dainere she would likely survive for only another year, and, of course, Jarrett asked his wise little sister for ideas.

“Why don’t you do that through something you’re good at? You’re good at running!”

So, that’s what this big brother did.

In 2013 Jarrett competed in his first City to Surf and used the fundraising opportunity to raise $52,150.

“To this day, I still haven’t come to terms that’s what was raised that year,” he says.

“I’ve competed every year since except for one of the ‘virtual’ years during COVID and have now raised over $110,000”, he says.

Jarrett will compete again on 9 August to continue his little sister’s legacy.

But before he does, he will travel to Sydney on Friday 24 July for the NSW/ACT Young Achievers Gala where he has been nominated for a Ministry of Health Achievement in Health Award for his work with Dainere’s Rainbow.

Jarrett has been nominated for, and won, numerous awards over the past 13 years.

“What we do is in memory of Dainere, for Dainere’s Rainbow,” he says.

“So, it’s an absolute honour to be nominated, and acknowledged for something like that.”

“Each step I take and every donation you make is a gift of hope, possibility, and precious time for families fighting this devastating disease.

“Every stride I run is for my selfless, inspiring, and courageous sister Dainere, for all the children we have lost, for those fighting today, and for those who will face this disease in the future.”

To support Jarrett and Dainere’s Rainbow, go to daineresrainbow.com.au

If Dainere could thank you herself, according to her family, you would get one very enthusiastic response…

“Splendiferous!”