Renowned journalist and Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts has always been known for her resilience and authenticity. 

In 2007, she faced one of the most challenging moments of her life when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Rather than keeping her battle private, Roberts made the courageous decision to share her journey with the public, hoping to inspire others facing similar struggles.

During a recent conversation at the Poynter Institute’s annual Bowtie Ball—where she was honored 

with the prestigious Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement—Roberts reflected on the life-changing decision to go public with her diagnosis. 

Holding back tears, she recalled her mother’s words that guided her through that difficult time: “Make your mess your message.”

A Difficult Yet Important Decision

At the time of her diagnosis, Roberts, now 63, was already a beloved fixture on Good Morning America. She knew that being open about her condition would have a significant impact—not just on herself, but on millions of viewers who looked up to her. However, it wasn’t an easy choice.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” she admitted. “I was very fortunate that I was gonna be receiving quality healthcare, that I was not gonna lose my job… and a lot of people can’t say that when they go through a health journey.”

For Roberts, the reality that many people battling cancer also faced job insecurity and financial struggles weighed heavily on her mind. She recognized that by sharing her experience, she could be a voice for those who didn’t have the same platform or resources.

Inspiring Others Through Her Journey

Over the years, Roberts has had countless encounters with fans who have been deeply inspired by her openness. During her recent appearance at the Bowtie Ball, she shared a particularly touching moment she experienced that very day.

“I was at the Riverwalk today, and a woman named Angela came up to me and hugged me,” she recounted. “She said that she had gone through cancer right after I did. She said, ‘If Robin can do it, I can do it.’”

Moments like these reaffirmed to Roberts that choosing to publicly discuss her diagnosis was the right decision. She emphasized that she wanted to show others not just how to survive cancer, but how to thrive after it.

“Knowing that I was making my mess my message and I was getting the message out about how you live with cancer and how you become a thriver, not just a survivor… it’s moments like that when I realize, as difficult as it was, it was the right decision, and I’m grateful.”

Supporting Loved Ones Through Their Own Battles

Roberts’ advocacy for cancer awareness didn’t stop with her own journey. In 2021, she once again found herself facing the realities of cancer when her wife, Amber Laign, was diagnosed with breast cancer. As Laign navigated her own battle, Roberts became her biggest champion, providing the same unwavering support and encouragement that she had received years before.

Additionally, Roberts publicly supported her former GMA colleague Amy Robach, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. She has continuously used her platform to raise awareness, support cancer research, and encourage people to seek early detection and treatment.

A Second Health Battle and a Peabody-Winning Story

Just a few years after overcoming breast cancer, Roberts was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare bone marrow disease. In 2012, she underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant, with her sister serving as the donor. Once again, she chose to share her health battle with the public, allowing Good Morning America and ABC News to document her journey.

Her transparency in bringing attention to MDS and the need for bone marrow donors earned her a Peabody Award that same year. The award recognized Roberts for her courage in letting the world see her struggles while simultaneously launching a campaign that led to hundreds of new bone marrow donors registering to save lives.

The recognition was a testament to her incredible impact, not just as a journalist, but as a source of strength and hope for so many.

A Message of Hope and Gratitude

Reflecting on the past 17 years since her initial cancer diagnosis, Roberts remains deeply grateful for the love and support she has received from her audience. In an emotional essay she wrote for Good Morning America viewers in 2007, she expressed her appreciation:

“To you, our viewers, please know that your thoughts and prayers very much sustain me as they always have each and every morning when I sit in the chair next to Diane and say, ‘Good Morning America.’ You have always been there for me… and I love you back.”

Her journey has been one of resilience, faith, and the determination to turn adversity into a platform for change. Whether advocating for cancer awareness, supporting her loved ones, or continuing to be a trusted presence on morning television, Robin Roberts embodies the power of perseverance and the importance of using one’s voice to uplift others.

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