More health challenges for Robin Roberts

More health challenges for Robin Roberts

'Good Morning America' host has rare blood disorder

Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts is without a doubt one of my favorite women on TV. When she underwent treatment for breast cancer several years ago, I kept track of her condition as much as possible and cheered her on from the comfort of my couch each morning as I sipped my coffee. It seems I'm going to have to start cheering once again.

Robin Roberts made a shocking and saddening announcement on GMA earlier this week: She's developed a rare blood/bone marrow disease as a result of her breast cancer treatment. She's going to need a bone marrow transplant, and she's already started chemotherapy to prepare. It's time to fight again, and if anyone can fight and win, it's Robin! Her courage is truly inspiring.
Robin Roberts has a disease called myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS. To be honest, until her announcement on Good Morning America, I'd never heard of this particular disease. I know all too well about chemotherapy treatment for cancer, and the horrible effects it can have on the body -- but I had no idea about MDS.

In case you missed it, here's Robin Roberts' emotional announcement on Good Morning America on Monday:

Robin Roberts, 'Good Morning America' Host, Discusses MDS Diagnosis: 'I'm Going to Beat This'



Thankfully for Robin Roberts, her sister is a perfect match to be a bone marrow donor. Not everyone is this fortunate, so it's important for everyone who can to register to be a donor. Roberts said on GMA that she hoped to raise awareness about bone marrow donation and about MDS, and she's certainly done both in recent days.

FYI: If you are interested in becoming a bone marrow donor, you can join the registry by visiting the official website of the National Marrow Donor Program.

Hopefully Robin Roberts realizes how incredibly brave and courageous so many think she is (including me). Roberts says she's "always been a fighter" and now, it's time to fight once again. She beat breast cancer, and if anyone can beat this disease, it's her.