NEED TO KNOW
Robert Irwin is opening up about his sister Bindi Irwin’s health.
The Australian wildlife conservationist, 21, shared that his sister was “doing good,” a month after she revealed she underwent surgery to remove 51 endometriosis lesions amid her struggle with endometriosis.
“It’s an ongoing battle,” Robert told E! News of Bindi’s struggle with endometriosis, which is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, per the World Health Organization (WHO).
“And endometriosis is one of these things where it’s not a quick fix,” he added. “It is something that I really think needs to be [at] the forefront of discussions.”
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He further noted that he felt that “women’s health throughout history” and “even now” is “under-discussed” and “under-researched,” calling for both male and female advocates to “stand up and to get the word out there” about the disease.
Bindi, 27, has been open about her endometriosis journey since initially revealing her diagnosis in March 2023, on social media. At the time, she shared that she had gone through 10 years of debilitating symptoms and pain.
After undergoing two surgeries — including one to remove a ruptured appendix and take care of a “hernia from giving birth that was unzipping” — Bindi revealed on Instagram in August that she could “FINALLY say that I’m feeling better.”
“[I’m] genuinely healing. I can function in everyday life without wanting to throw up or pass out from the pain. Slowly, slowly gaining my strength back,” she added.
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Now that she is feeling better, she can cheer on her brother Robert as he competes on the 34th season of Dancing with the Stars — a show she previously competed on and won in 2015. When asked if he got any advice from his sister, Robert told E! News she had “a lot” of wisdom to share.
“She really said, ‘Just try and give it your all, but enjoy and make it your own,’ ” he recalled. “And I’m excited to do that. I was just so proud of her, watching her light up the ballroom. Proudest little brother in the world. That’s why I’m here, that’s why I’m doing this.”
When news of Robert’s casting was announced, Bindi was one of the first people to show her support. She shared a photo of the two of them on Instagram, which she captioned, “Can’t wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination. Here’s to an extraordinary journey ahead.”
