'GMA's' Robin Roberts begins last week on air before medical treatment begins
BY RITA SHERROW World Television Editor
Monday, August 27, 2012
It's Robin Roberts last week on "Good Morning America" before taking a medical leave of absence.
The 51-year-old co-anchor, who was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in June, will be off the show while she receives treatment for the rare form of leukemia. Roberts, a breast cancer survivor, will receive a bone marrow transplant from her sister Sally.
"I can't imagine not getting up and being here and Friday will be my last day," said Roberts, who left early for her vacation in August because she was feeling unwell. She returned Aug. 20.
"I will check into the hospital on Tuesday and then I'll begin the (transplant) process," Roberts told viewers. "It still takes about 10 days after being admitted because there are some things you have to go through before the (bone marrow) transplant actually occurs."
On Monday's show, she talked a little about her journey including her sister being a perfect match for a bone marrow donation, and having to send her dogs KJ and Rory away because, during treatment, she will have no immune system and will be susceptible to infection.
"That was really hard. The things you have to go through to prepare to be away."
On "GMA" this week, she will be subject of a series of segments titled "Robin's Journey," co-host George Stephanopoulos said on the morning talk show Monday. The segments will provided interviews, donor information and aspects of her own journey.
As previously reported, while she is on medical leave, ABC News plans to bring in Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Kelly Ripa, among others, as co-hosts to assist Stephanopoulos.
"Good Morning America" airs 7-9 a.m. weekdays on ABC, channel 8.
Associated Images:
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos are co-anchors of "Good Morning America," airing at 7 a.m. weekdays on ABC, channel 8.
HEIDI GUTMAN/ABC
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