When beloved news presenter Edwina Bartholomew bravely revealed her cancer diagnosis during an emotional segment on Sunrise, she was immediately met with an outpouring of love and support from viewers and fans alike.
Adding to the wave of encouragement, longtime colleague and television personality Larry Emdur shared a heartfelt message on social media, offering his unwavering support to his Channel 7 colleague during this challenging time.
“That smile not only lights up your TV’s it lights up the hearts of everyone who works with her,” he wrote.
“This cancer diagnosis has come as a horrible shock but her strength and positivity in tackling this has not. @edwina_b is one of the nicest, most loveable and sincerely warmest people I’ve ever met, in or out of the biz.
“You say you’re going to be ok, we believe you and we’re all here for you, all the way. Sending you so much love.”
Emdur’s message sparked an outpouring of further support for Bartholomew, with fans sharing their own kind words for the beloved news presenter.
“Just keep smiling Eddy! She lights up my mornings! Love her so much,” one wrote.
“We love Eddie! She’s a good egg! She has the right attitude so she will do well.”
“We are all sending this beautiful woman good energy xx,” commented another.
“The whole of Australia is with you.”
Bartholomew fought through tears when she revealed to viewers that she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia during the Friday, September 6 episode of Sunrise,
“Now, a personal story to finish the bulletin,” she began.
“I have been diagnosed with cancer. That’s a shock to say, and hard to say. It is a really good kind. It is called chronic myeloid leukaemia. It can be treated with a daily tablet. If I can take care of myself I will be completely fine.”
Bartholomew was diagnosed in July but chose to wait to reveal her health news.
“Firstly, because everyone at home has been here for all the wonderful times, for the engagements, and the weddings and the babies, for all of us,” she explained.
“It felt right to share this with you too. Many of you have been in similar situations or much, much worse and come out the other side stronger… And more resilient. That’s exactly what I plan to do.
“Secondly, the reason I’m telling you is because after I turned 40 I made the decision to prioritise my health. I got a skin check after Nat had her scare. I had a mammogram after I had a few lumps – that came back all clear. I even had an eye check – that’s fine.
“But my doctor sent me to get routine blood tests at the same time. One of those tests came back with levels out of whack.”
Despite her diagnosis, Bartholomew assured viewers at home that she feels “lucky” due to the available treatment options and remains “very positive” about her prognosis.