The Leukaemia Foundation is honoured to announce that journalist and Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew has joined the organisation as a National Ambassador, aptly marking the start of Blood Cancer Month (September).
For Edwina, the cause is deeply personal. In 2024, she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia – an experience that gave her a new perspective on life, motherhood, and the importance of early health checks.
"I feel proud to be joining the Leukaemia Foundation as a national ambassador," Edwina said.
"I've been personally diagnosed with blood cancer, so there's something powerful about standing alongside a community of people who truly understand what it's like."
Since sharing her story publicly, Edwina has been overwhelmed by the response from fellow Australians.
"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."
A proud mum of two, Edwina is passionate about encouraging other women – particularly busy mothers – to prioritise their health and get regular check-ups.
"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.
"My hope in this role is to work with the Leukaemia Foundation to assist in building a stronger network of care across Australia, so people feel supported not only at diagnosis, but throughout treatment, and once it ends. Living well after cancer is such an important thing."
Blood cancer is often described as Australia's 'hidden cancer crisis', and right now more than 150,000 Australians are living with the disease. Every day, 55 people are told they have blood cancer, and tragically, 17 people lose their lives – making it the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.[i]
It is also one of the most urgent and under-recognised women's health issues, with three times more Australian women diagnosed with blood cancer than ovarian and cervical cancer combined.[ii]
For the past 50 years, The Leukaemia Foundation has been supporting and caring for people affected by blood cancer from all corners of the country, with a strong focus on those from regional, rural and remote Australia.
Edwina's personal connection to regional and rural Australia through her family home in Carcoar NSW and her love of the country life, holds her in high regard to use her voice to highlight the unique challenges faced by people outside major cities in accessing timely care and support.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO, Chris Tanti, said Edwina's ambassadorship comes at a critical time for the blood cancer community, with incidence of the disease set to almost double in the next decade.[iii]
"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," Mr Tanti said.
"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.
"Together with Edwina, and our team of valued ambassadors, we can ensure every Australian facing blood cancer has the care, support and future they deserve no matter where they live."
