Merely five years ago Robin Roberts beat the battle of breast cancer, but she is still not done fighting the war. The Good Morning America host faces a difficult journey as she has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS. This rare blood and bone marrow disease was once called preleukemia. Unfortunately, MDS is a complication from the treatment Roberts received to beat breast cancer in 2007.
Roberts alerted her Twitter followers of her announcement when she tweeted Monday morning, “My dear tweeps – will share something important with you this AM on GMA, something I have been dealing with for the past couple months. Blessings.” Roberts officially made the announcement of her MDS diagnosis at the end of Monday’s show with the company of her co-hosts, as well as her former co-host, Diane Sawyer.
“I’ve always been a fighter, and with all of your prayers and support, a winner,” said Roberts. “My doctors tell me I’m going to beat this — and I know it’s true.”
Roberts began pre-treatment later that Monday, and she will have to undergo a bone marrow transplant. In order to beat the MDS diagnosis, Roberts will be receiving a bone marrow transplant from her sister, whom her doctor says is a “perfect match.”
In a note to the ABC News staff, ABC News president Ben Sherwood commended Roberts. “We love Robin, the heart and soul of ABC News, and we’ll stand arm in arm with her as she fights this new battle,” he wrote. “She is the caption of our ‘GMA’ team; she has been the keystone of our recent victories; and she will lead the program for many years to come.”
Roberts has been living with this MDS diagnosis for awhile and plans to continue anchoring for Good Morning America. However, she stated that she will be “out for a chunk of time” after she receives her bone marrow transplant.
“I love what I do and the people with whom I do it,” Roberts stated. “Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge.”
