Robin Roberts will return to her “Good Morning America” anchor chair Feb. 20 — exactly five months after undergoing a bone-marrow transplant.
Roberts, 52, has been off the air since late August, when she announced she’d be taking a medical leave to be treated for MDS, a rare blood disease thought to be triggered by chemotherapy drugs. (Roberts underwent chemo in 2007 while battling breast cancer.)
In September, Roberts underwent a bone-marrow transplant. The donor was her big sister, Sally-Ann.
“What a difference a year makes,” Roberts said yesterday, alluding to the fact she began feeling the symptoms of MDS about a year ago.
“It’s going to be an incredible morning in Times Square. The overwhelming thoughts and prayers of the viewers have played a major part in getting me here today. I cannot thank everyone enough.”
Late last month, Roberts returned to the “GMA” studios to do an off-camera “dry run” in preparation for her on-camera return to the show.
“I’m excited to rejoin my wonderful ‘GMA’ family,” Roberts said in a “personal note” posted on the ABC News Web site.
“I’m also looking forward to thanking YOU . . . for your many prayers and well wishes.
“Your compassion has been an enormous source of comfort to me and my family.”