Originally appeared on E! Online
Robert Irwin is speaking up for one of his flock.
Three weeks after his sister Bindi Irwin shared she is “genuinely healing” after “13 years of fighting” a health battle with endometriosis, the 21-year-old son of Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin gave an update on how she is feeling.
“She’s doing good,” Irwin exclusively told E! News Sept. 3 after his fellow “Dancing With the Stars” season 34 cast members were revealed. “It’s an ongoing battle. Endometriosis is one of these things where it’s not a quick fix.”
Indeed, Bindi has undergone multiple surgeries to remove lesions and an ovarian cyst in the two years since she shared her diagnosis with endometriosis, which is caused by unusual tissue growing outside of the uterus.
“It is something that needs to be in the forefront of discussions,” Irwin continued in his interview, airing on E! News tonight at 11 p.m. “Women’s health throughout history—and even now—is just underdiscussed, underresearched. We really need advocates to stand up and to get the word out there—men and women.”
And his strong bond with Bindi has inspired more than just his advocacy. Irwin admitted he received “a lot of advice” from his sister for the dancing competition series, which she won in 2015 with her partner Derek Hough.
READ Bindi Irwin Shares Her Hernia From Giving Birth Was “Unzipping” Before Hospitalization
“She said, ‘Just try and give it your all, but enjoy and make it your own,’” Irwin explained. “And I’m excited to do that. I was 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.”
Meanwhile, Bindi has expressed her excitement for her brother to be joining the ABC series.
“Robert, you are going to absolutely shine in the ballroom,” she wrote on Instagram in April following his casting. “I wish I could express the magnitude of how proud I am of you and everything you have achieved.”
“Can’t wait to cheer you on each week as you inspire so many with your strength, kindness and determination,” she continued. “Here’s to an extraordinary journey ahead.”
—Reporting by Emily Curl
PHOTOSDancing with the Stars season 34, hosts
Like father, like son! Robert Irwin channeled the late Steve Irwin in a close encounter with a not-so-friendly reptile.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nbcnewyork.com ’
