Robin Roberts Announces She’s Battling MDS, Vows To Beat It

“Good Morning America’s” Robin Roberts announced on Monday that she has been diagnosed with the blood and bone marrow disease myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).

“As many of you know, five years ago I beat breast cancer. I’ve always been a fighter, and with all of your prayers and support, a winner,” the 51-year-old news anchor said in a statement.

“Sometimes the treatment for cancer can cause other serious medical problems. Today, I want to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome. It’s a disease of the blood and bone marrow and was once known as preleukemia. My doctors tell me I’m going to beat this — and I know it’s true,” the statement continued.

Roberts revealed that her health scare came the same day her career hit a high note.

“I received my MDS diagnosis on the very day that ‘Good Morning America’ finally beat the ‘Today’ show for the first time in 16 years. Talk about your highs and lows! Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life,” she continued in the statement.

Adding, “Bottom line: I’ve been living with this diagnosis for awhile and will continue to anchor ‘GMA.’ I love what I do and the people with whom I do it. Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge.”

— Jesse Spero

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