Caring
Edwina Bartholomew's grateful update in cancer battle
Beloved Sunrise star Edwina Bartholomew has shared a heartwarming update on her health journey – she's almost in molecular remission following treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia.
The 41-year-old mother of two first opened up about her diagnosis in September last year, after receiving the life-changing news in July. She began treatment in August, supported by her family, colleagues, and an outpouring of love from viewers across the country.
Appearing on Sunrise this week, Edwina beamed as she shared the incredible news with her co-hosts and audience. “I am almost in what they call molecular remission,” she said, smiling. “Thanks to my daily medication, my incredible specialist, and the gift of time I’ve been given by working part-time here at Sunrise, the leukaemia has essentially been eradicated from my body to the point it’s almost undetectable.”
Though she’ll continue treatment with a daily tablet for the foreseeable future, Edwina says she hasn’t experienced any noticeable side effects – calling it “genuinely a medical miracle”.
Her gratitude was palpable as she thanked the Sunrise community for their kindness. “I quickly wanted to thank all of our wonderfully kind Sunrise viewers who sent me messages over the past nine months – checking in, sharing their stories, keeping my family in their thoughts. That’s been really, really lovely.”
In a beautifully candid feature for The Australian Women’s Weekly, Edwina appears on the cover with her husband Neil Varcoe and their two children, Molly (5) and Tom (3). The photos, taken on the family’s farm, show Edwina glowing in a high-neck blue lace dress, surrounded by the love and laughter of her young family.
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Back in September, when she first shared her diagnosis on air, Edwina approached the moment with characteristic honesty and hope. “It is a good kind – It’s called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I take care of myself, I will be completely fine.”
Even in that early moment, she described herself as “very lucky” – thankful for early detection, a manageable treatment path and the unwavering support of her colleagues and loved ones.
“I turned 40 and decided to prioritise my health,” she explained. “Routine blood tests picked it up – one of those things mums often skip because we’re so busy taking care of everyone else. Please, especially to mums, take care of yourself too.”
Now, just months later, Edwina says: “It’s not lost on me how extraordinarily lucky I have been.”
Images: Instagram
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