“Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts announced this morning that she has been diagnosed with a serious blood and bone marrow disease.
Determined to beat this, the 51-year-old cancer survivor said, “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.”
“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. My doctors tell me I’m going to beat this — and I know it’s true.”
The pre-treatment will begin today, which is chemotherapy in advance of a bone marrow transplant. The donor will be her older sister Sally-Ann Roberts, who appeared with her in the studio this morning and is reportedly a perfect match.
Ironically Robin learned of the diagnosis on the very day in April that GMA beat TODAY in the ratings for the first time. She quipped, “Talk about your highs and lows.”
Roberts plans to stick with her normal routine, “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.”
Listen to a video interview that Sally-Ann Roberts recorded before the show below:
Photo Credit: WENN