NEWSRobin Roberts Leaves 'Good Morning America' One Day Early For Medical Treatment
Aug. 30 2012, Published 2:20 p.m. ET
Robin Roberts said a tearful goodbye today on Good Morning America where the co-host is leaving her gig to undergo bone marrow transplant surgery after being diagnosed with MDS earlier this summer.
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She was initially scheduled to work until the end of the week, but instead decided to leave a day early to spend time with family in Mississippi after Hurricane Isaac.
Robin's doctor swung by the set to inform viewers of what she has in store after the surgery. While he confirmed Robin is "younger and fitter" than most ailing from the disease, he placed her immune system recovery at anywhere from 30 to 100 days, but cautioned against making a definitive return date.
Regardless, Robin's spirits were high amongst throngs of fans and GMA co-hosts who welled up and offered condolences, even in the form of a handmade scrapbook.
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"I'm very blessed," she said. "Forty percent of Americans can't even take a sick day, and here I know that I'm going to have a job when I come back. My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this — and I know it's true."
Several fill-in hosts have been tapped to keep her seat warm while she recovers.
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Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Kelly Ripa, and Oprah will all make appearances on the ABC morning show.
Rather than playing the victim, Robin says she's intent on learning from the experience.
"Life provides loses and heartache for all of us. But the greatest tragedy is to have the experience and miss the meaning," she said. "I'm determined not to miss the meaning."
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