Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, 51, announced Monday morning that she is battling a blood and bone marrow disease known as Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The longtime GMA reporter, who previously conquered breast cancer in 2007, made the announcement on her beloved morning show.
Below is a clip from GMA during which Roberts announces her disease to the viewing public and details her plans to undergo a bone marrow transplant, courtesy of her sister. In both the video and a note that Roberts released to media outlets, the newswoman remains optimistic about the challenges ahead, citing her age and general physical health as optimistic factors that will help her to beat the disease.
You can watch and read Roberts’ statements below, as well as a comment from Roberts’ doctor.
Below is a note that Roberts herself wrote and released to media outlets regarding her condition.
Here we go again…
As many of you know, 5 years ago I beat breast cancer. I’ve always been a fighter, and with all of your prayers and support, a winner.
Sometimes the treatment for cancer can cause other serious medical problems. Today, I want to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome. It’s a disease of the blood and bone marrow and was once known as preleukemia.
My doctors tell me I’m going to beat this — and I know it’s true.
If you Google MDS, you may find some scary stuff, including statistics that my doctors insist don’t apply to me. They say I’m younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.
Today, I will start what is known as pre-treatment -– chemotherapy in advance of a bone marrow transplant later this year. Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women. I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure. As you know from my recent interview with Mark Zuckerberg, organ donation is vitally important. Many people don’t realize they can be bone marrow donors. I encourage everyone to sign up on a donor registry like bethematch.org.
I received my MDS diagnosis on the very day that Good Morning America finally beat the Today Show for the first time in 16 years. Talk about your highs and lows! Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life.
Bottom line: I’ve been living with this diagnosis for awhile and will continue to anchor GMA. I love what I do and the people with whom I do it. Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge.
Going forward, it’s business as usual at GMA, which means I’ll be right here every day with George, Sam, Josh and Lara. When I miss a day here or there, I’m fortunate that some very talented friends at ABC News will fill-in. When I undergo the transplant later this year, I’ll miss a chunk of time.
When I faced breast cancer, your prayers and good wishes sustained me, gave me such hope and played a major role in my recovery. In facing this new challenge, I ask humbly for more of your prayers and love – as I will keep you in my mine and update you regularly on my condition.
Love and blessings,
RobinAccording to Roberts’ doctor, Dr. Richard Besser, “Many patients with MDS are cured and go on to live long and productive lives. The good news is that her doctors expect Robin to be cured. She is young and incredibly healthy … Robin has a donor who is an excellent match, an important prognostic factor. And so importantly, she has the faith, the spirit, and the will to beat this.”
[Photo Credit: David Edwards/Daily Celeb]
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