Eddy's new mission to support people with blood cancer
The TV personality is doing her bit to help cancer patients living in remote communities.
JAYDEN FORSTER | SEPT. 01 2025
Edwina Bartholomew is hoping to use her new role as an ambassador for the Leukaemia Foundation to build a "stronger network" of care for people living with blood cancer.
The Sunrise presenter, who last year was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia, says: "When I first heard the words ‘you have cancer’, I had no idea what to expect and what was ahead.
"I thought there would be some kind of handbook to follow – but there wasn’t.
“If I can help others to navigate what can be a scary diagnosis, it is a wonderful thing."
Eddy has signed on as a national ambassador for the Leukaemia Foundation, Credit: Supplied
Bartholomew, who shares two children with husband Neil Varcoe, says the experience has changed her view on life and motherhood and highlighted the importance of regular health checks.
The 42-year-old shared her cancer diagnosis on Sunrise following a routine blood test in July 2024.
She provided an update in April, telling viewers the cancer "has essentially been eradicated from my body" and is "almost undetectable".
Bartholomew, however, will continue to take a daily tablet to treat the cancer for years to come.
The TV personality says she is continuously blown away by the number of people who contact her to offer support and share their cancer story.
“A week doesn’t go by where someone doesn’t reach out and share what they’re going through.
"It’s been a really beautiful thing – being part of a private community of people helping each other.
“Anyone who’s been diagnosed with cancer knows that sense of connection and support can make such a difference," she says.
After sharing her diagnosis, Eddy has been inundated with messages from people sharing their cancer story, Credit: Channel Seven
Bartholomew, who lives in a small town near Bathurst in regional New South Wales, will use her ambassadorship to highlight the challenges people living outside major cities face in accessing care and support.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti says her appointment comes at a critical time for the blood cancer community, with the rate of diagnosis expected to double in the next decade.
More than 50 people are diagnosed with a form of blood cancer every day, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Eddy will use her ambassadorship to help amplify the voices of cancer patients in remote communities, Credit: Instagram
"We are thrilled to welcome Edwina as a national ambassador, and we know she will play a vital role in raising awareness and amplifying the voices of people with blood cancer, particularly those from regional Australia, and women and families," Tanti says.
“Her courage, warmth and openness in sharing her story has already helped so many Australians impacted by blood cancer to feel less alone.
“This September, Blood Cancer Month, reminds us that behind every statistic is a person – like Edwina – whose story inspires courage, connection and hope."
Eddy is the Sunrise news presenter and entertainment reporter, Credit: Instagram
Bartholomew has continued working part-time at Channel Seven while undergoing treatment.
She is expected to share a health update on Sunrise on Monday.
Main Image: Channel Seven
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