Robin Roberts Updates Fans On Bone Marrow Transplant

Robin Roberts has written a touching message on her blog to update supporters on her progress in a battle with a rare blood disorder.

The 51-year-old Good Morning America host, who has been absent from the show since the start of the month, is preparing for a bone marrow transplant scheduled for Thursday morning.

Writing from hospital in New York City, Robin Roberts described the punishing effects of daily doses of chemotherapy on her body:

“Last Sunday to lift my spirits I threw a little party at my apartment for my GMA family. The next morning I walked through the hospital doors, with my guardian angels – mom & dad – back together and blazing a trail ahead of me. The start of last week went well but the daily chemo/treatment caught up to me by the weekend. My body is so weak but not my mind. YOU give me the courage to keep going. So today is my last day of chemo… Wednesday is called a day of rest, yay, right! The transplant is scheduled for Thursday morning. Bless you, & Onward!”

Robin Roberts is undergoing a bone marrow transplant to treat a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS. Her sister, Sally-Ann, is the donor. Once her transplant is complete, Roberts is expected to reclaim her seat on GMA, though this will be delayed for several months to allow a full recovery.

Roberts has endured a tough few weeks. On August 30, the TV anchor’s mother, Lucimarian, passed away at home in Mississippi at the age of 88. Robin delayed her transplant operation to attend her mother’s funeral.