Despite ongoing efforts to find a viable stem cell donor, Eden’s deteriorating health has everyone fearing the worst. This week, as another collapse puts her back in hospital, the community rallies together to help.
But will it be enough?
In Home and Away, Eden (Stephanie Panozzo) is thrilled to learn her father Jimmy is in town and pleads with Cash (Nicholas Cartwright) to arrange another distanced family picnic. The policeman can tell how tired his wife is but reluctantly agrees.
“Audiences get to witness the Fowler siblings fighting so hard with such fierce love and care,” Stephanie tells TV WEEK. “There’s a deep strengthening in their bond and connection. These people are Eden’s strength so to be isolated from them, and the outside world really takes its toll.”
That afternoon, the Fowlers set up at the beach and prepare for Eden’s arrival. As she slowly gets out of the car, her dire condition is evident to all, and Cash quietly fumes that she should be in bed. Eden relishes the company but struggles to stay awake as the picnic comes to an end. Cash goes to help her in the car – and she collapses! Levi (Tristan Gorey) quickly calls an ambulance….
At the hospital, Amelia (Nicole Da Silva) updates Cash on her condition: her blood and platelet count is too low and the treatment is causing stress on her liver and kidneys. In a quiet moment alone, Cash breaks down in tears…
“He doesn’t know how to cope at all,” Stephanie says of Cash’s emotions.
“His past trauma and fears around him being “cursed” all bubble to the surface. The thought that “everyone I love gets sick and dies” starts to play on repeat in his mind.”
Also this week…
The following day, Mali (Kyle Shilling) finds Remi (Adam Rowland) and Sonny (Ryan Bown) to tell them good news – the blood donation van is coming to Summer Bay! Remi is elated to finally do something and together, they start spreading the word.
The town is abuzz with excitement as preparations get underway.
Mali urges people to register as stem cell donors and John (Shane Withington) faces his fear of needles to help the cause.
Lacey (Sophea Pennington) hands out flyers but stops short when Amelia, whom she dislikes for dating her father, attempts to help her. Can a good deed thaw their frosty relationship?
To top it all off, Cash arranges a surprise for Eden by driving past on their way home from the hospital.
It’s a touching moment in a dark time and we can only hope it brings about a donor!
