Roz Purcell has opened up for the first time about her sister Rachel’s battle with leukaemia. The 28-year-old was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year.
Speaking to The Independent Roz explained that the type of cancer that Rachel has is chronic myeloid leukaemia, a long term illness that requires her to keep her stress levels down and to engage in physical exercise. Roz explained that her big sis is remaining positive.
“When my sister Rachel was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia earlier this year one of the things she was advised to do was to keep her stress levels down,
“CML is a long term illness, but Rachel is very positive about it and has been reaching health milestones since her diagnosis in January,” she said.
To keep Rachel’s stress levels low, it was suggested that the sisters get a dog, as they live together in Dublin. Roz explained that having their Jack Russell Wilko around has really helped Rachel as he encourages her to go out everyday.
“One of the things she was advised to do was to keep her stress levels down, and it was suggested to us that we get a dog. Rachel and I live together in Dublin, so it made sense because we love dogs and had wanted one for a while,”
“Having Wilko has helped Rachel so much because having a pet there really encourages you to go out every day walking.
“Wilko is such good company, so full of energy and always so happy which is contagious. It’s the ultimate distraction and de-stresser,” she told the newspaper.
It sounds like Wilko is the best medicine for Rachel at the moment. We wish her the best in her battle.
