Robin Roberts Leaving 'GMA' to Undergo Bone Marrow Transplant
Host to Return After Treatment
Robin Roberts, host of "Good Morning America," will be taking a medical leave in late August or early September to undergo a bone marrow transplant. The host addressed the press earlier this morning and said that friends Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric, and Kelly Ripa will fill in during her absence.
"It's fascinating-slash-scary how to prepare yourself for something like this," Roberts told reporters. She was diagnosed with myelodyspastic syndrome following a lengthy battle against breast cancer.
"My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this- and I know it's true," Roberts wrote to fans on the GMA website in June. "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."
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Roberts will be receiving the bone marrow from her sister, who was a good match for the star.
"I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure," she noted.
Her time on GMA has helped her immensely, providing an outlet and direction to go in during her struggle.
"I love what I do and the people with whom I do it," she told People. "Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge."
GMA recently managed to topple the morning-ratings leader, NBC's Today show, which was a significant triumph for Roberts and ABC.
"The run that we've had has truly energized me. It's pretty good medicine, I gotta say," she told reporters this morning.
"After 15 years of silver medals, these guys now have the gold," ABC News president Ben Sherwood added.
Roberts intends to continue working at ABC as soon as she is given the green light by doctors.
