Millions of viewers watch Robin Roberts every day as an anchor on Good Morning America . Her bright smile and bubbly personality have won the hearts of many people. So, it was difficult to hear the news back in 2007 that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And if that wasn’t bad enough, according to Forbes , in 2012, Robin learned that she had a rare blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome. Roberts had gotten the disorder from her breast cancer treatment.
Roberts’ diagnosis was grim. In fact, according to WLOX.com , Roberts was given one to two years to live. She decided to fight with all she had and began chemotherapy treatments. Roberts’ sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, was a perfect match for her stem-cell transplant.
Just days prior to Robin Roberts ‘ transplant, her mother fell gravely ill. Robin knew she had to go see her. Roberts told Forbes that she had to stick by her mother’s side, regardless how long it took. Even if it meant postponing her (Robin’s) transplant. Roberts believes her mother must have known her situation, and Robin’s mother passed away the very night Robin arrived to be with her. Roberts said it was her mother’s last gift to her. Roberts was able to have her transplant as scheduled.
Roberts says when she was first diagnosed she was going to keep it quiet, but Forbes reports that her mother told her (Roberts), “Make your mess your message.” That phrase from her mom prompted Roberts to write her new book Everybody’s Got Something , in which she tells her story of courage and faith.
LocalMemphis.com reveals that when Roberts was given her dire diagnosis, she realized, “That’s life. It’s a roller coaster and it reaffirms to me that it’s important to really appreciate the journey and not get caught up in what it’s going to feel like when you reach the destination.”
In her book, Everybody’s Got Something , Robin Roberts shares her story of faith and forgiveness. Roberts tells LocalMemphis.com , “What I’m so encouraged by, is the intent of the book is being received and that’s to give people hope,” Roberts said. “Let people know that I went through a really difficult time but I’m here and I want to share these life lessons.”
Robin Roberts still continues her chemotherapy treatments today, but she is happy to be alive.
[Photo Credit: ABC]
