Departs early
Robin Roberts’ final ‘GMA’ before treatment
ROBIN Roberts bid a tearful goodbye to “Good Morning
America” yesterday — leaving a day early to begin her scheduled medical leave and to visit her sick mother in Mississippi.
Today was supposed to be Roberts’ last day on “GMA” until she returns from what’s expected to be a monthslong course of treatment for MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome) involving a bonemarrow transplant and subsequent recovery time.
But the Mississippi native announced at the top of yesterday’s show that her plans had changed in light of her mother Lucimarian’s illness — and the track of Tropical Storm Isaac, which barreled down on her home state yesterday.
“I was hoping to be able to wait until tomorrow, but this morning will now be my last show for a while before I begin my treatment next week,” she said.
“I’m having to move up my schedule so I can go home to Mississippi to be with my ailing mother and family that are in the hurricane zone.”
Roberts, 51, will enter an unnamed hospital on Tuesday to begin her treatment for MDS, a blood and bonemarrow disease that is believed to be triggered by chemotherapy drugs.
(Roberts underwent chemotherapy treatment while battling breast cancer in 2007.)
Her course of treatment, once she enters the hospital, will include a bonemarrow transplant with cells donated by her big sister, Sally — who was in the “GMA” studios yester day, along with Roberts’ doctors, to discuss how the treatment will unfold.
Yesterday’s show also included an instudio concert by country star Martina McBride, one of Roberts’ good friends, who sang, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” about a woman who learns she has cancer.
“Robin, you’ve been such an inspiration to so many of us,” McBride said. “It’s inspired me to keep doing things and [to] raise money and awareness for breast cancer.”
At the end of the show, Roberts’ onair “GMA” colleagues each presented her with a gift — a “zinger” bell from George Stephanopoulos (in Tampa with Diane Sawyer covering the GOP convention); matching pajamas from Lara Spencer for Roberts and her sister, Sally; “love” from Sam Champion, covering Tropical Storm Isaac in Louisiana; and a case of RC Cola from Josh Elliott (recalling one of Roberts’ favorite commercials from her childhood).
“This is just see ya later, see you soon, I’ll get back as soon as I can,” Roberts said in closing.
“It’s what you carry in your heart that really inspires me.
“So George, Sam, Lara, Josh and my ‘GMA’ family and my family at home, I love you and I’ll see you soon.” “GMA,” which beat “To
day” in total viewers again last week, will use a rotating roster of guest hosts during Roberts’ absence — including Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, the cast of ABC’s “Modern
Family,” Barbara Walters, Chris Rock, Kelly Ripa, Rob Lowe and “some surprise guests.”