Robin’s Journey

Robin Roberts’ decision to reveal her confrontation of a life-threatening disease on June 11, 2012, was a decision to engage and involve her public, her viewers and those of ABC’s Good Morning America in what became a journey of exploration, education and commitment. The disease she was battling was rare: Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). It attacks the blood and bone marrow of its victims. The primary treatment is a bone marrow transplant. From the beginning of her diagnosis, to her consultations with colleagues, to her discovery that her sister provided a perfect match for the transplant, Roberts realized that her situation provided a special teaching opportunity. Annually, more than 10,000 Americans require bone marrow transplants, yet donors are not always available. Roberts partnered with Be The Match Registry, the world’s largest bone marrow donor registry, and with the support of ABC began her campaign. Registration with Be The Match shot upward. On June 26, 2012, ABC News held a donor drive at its headquarters and soon 55 other companies asked to host donor events. For stepping through a door that could have been closed by fear, for recognizing an opportunity rather than focusing on personal danger, and for contributing to the potential for saving thousands of lives, Robin’s Journey receives a Peabody Award.