In a heartwarming testament to the power of the human spirit, 19-year-old Molly Croft has transformed her personal battle with cancer into a mission that has touched countless lives and raised over $2 million for children's charities.

Molly's journey began when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at just 12 years old. What could have been a story of hardship became one of remarkable determination and generosity. During her treatment, she spent 292 nights at Ronald McDonald House, and rather than simply accepting the free accommodation provided to young patients, she set herself an ambitious goal: to raise enough money to cover the cost of her stay and help other families facing similar challenges.

But Molly didn't stop there. Her vision extended far beyond repaying a debt she never actually owed. With an extraordinary sense of purpose rare in someone so young, she co-founded The Tie Dye Project in 2017 alongside netballer Amy Parmenter. This creative initiative produces and sells colorful tie-dye products, channeling all proceeds toward vital medical research and clinical trials for sarcoma.

"I found that's what I wanted to do, and I think I'm very lucky to say at the age of 19 that I have found my passion," Molly shares with infectious enthusiasm.

Her approach to life's challenges comes from a beautiful family tradition. Every night during her hospital stays, Molly's parents would ask her about her "rainbow"—the bright spot in each day, no matter how difficult. This practice has become central to Molly's philosophy, helping her maintain perspective even when facing her second cancer diagnosis in 2021.

"I can't believe that now those rainbows and that mindset have helped raise so much money for vital sarcoma research," she reflects.

Molly's mother, Angela, beams with pride when discussing her daughter's achievements, noting that Molly channels the compassion of her grandmother and the strength of her great-grandmother, who served as a major in World War II.

The recognition for Molly's work has been overwhelming. The Sydney Children's Hospital dedicated a stunning 17-metre-high mural at Sydney's Olympic Park in her honor, appropriately titled "Molly's Rainbow." She received the inaugural One To Watch award at the 2022 NSW Woman of the Year Awards, was named Dubbo's Citizen of the Year in 2024, and most recently earned both the 2025 NSW Young Volunteer and Volunteer of the Year awards.

Even while attending university in Sydney, Molly continues her fundraising efforts with unwavering commitment, having raised close to $100,000 this past year alone. For her, sharing her story at events and continuing her advocacy work isn't a burden—it's therapeutic.

"For me, getting up and sharing my story is like therapy," she explains. "It's a way I can process what has happened in my life but also acknowledge the friends that I've lost."

Molly Croft's story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can find our rainbow—and use it to light the way for others.