Robin Roberts’ story serves as tremendous source of hope and courage as the TV broadcaster shares her experience in immediately going back to the daily grind after her bone marrow transplant in 2012.
In the April/May issue of AARP Magazine, Roberts also speaks up about new opportunities in her life after September 20, the date of her transplant, as she now deems such date to be more of her birthday.
According to the ‘Good Morning America’ co-host, she wanted to get back on track and get on with work as she battled with myelodysplastic syndrome as well.
“It wasn't about being back on TV. It was about being back in life," Roberts explained.
She also recounted the times when she felt a mix of emotions upon seeing other people who may have thought that they were never going to see the TV personality again after her battle with such life-threatening conditions. Many of them were also surprised that Roberts immediately sought to go back to work.
Roberts, who suffered from both breast cancer and MDS, had set a goal to return to ‘Good Morning America’ in February 2013, only several months after the transplant.
She added that she could have chosen to separate herself from the world; in contrast, she wanted to seize the moment and take part in daily life.
"I could've stayed longer in an isolated room, but I didn't want life to continue to pass me by. I wanted to participate in life,” Roberts shared.
The breast cancer survivor now sees herself as a “walking miracle”, especially considering the fact that a doctor told Roberts that she had one to two years to live if she did not undergo a transplant.
Despite the challenges that came with battling these diseases, the 54-year-old anchor also opened up about having to rely on her family and close friends, including Amber Laign, her girlfriend of ten years.
In her ‘Everybody’s Got Something’ memoir, Roberts acknowledged the role of her 39-year-old partner in giving care and offering support.
Last year, Roberts spoke up about receiving low-intensity chemotherapy shots every six to eight weeks up until the second anniversary of her bone marrow transplant in 2014.
More of Roberts’ story has been shared on AARP Magazine (April/May issue), which has already been released this week.