Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America, marked an emotional milestone this week—12 years 

since her return to the anchor desk following a life-saving stem cell transplant. 

Roberts, who was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare 

and potentially fatal blood disorder affecting bone marrow, reflected on her journey and the people who helped her through it.

A Life-Saving Gift from Her Sister

Roberts vividly remembers the day she returned to GMA in February 2013, nearly six months after taking medical leave to undergo treatment. 

The road to recovery was not easy, but she credits her faith, family, and friends for helping her get through the most challenging time of her life.

Her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, played a crucial role in her survival by donating stem cells for the transplant. Reflecting on the experience, Sally-Ann described the donation process as simple compared to what Roberts had endured.

“It was the easiest thing in the world to be a donor, and I’m just so amazed at your strength,” she had said during Roberts’ return to the show in 2013.

Their story brought national attention to the importance of bone marrow donation, encouraging many to register as potential donors.

The Ongoing Need for Bone Marrow Donors

According to NMDP, formerly known as Be The Match, approximately 18,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with diseases best treated through stem cell donation. Of those, about 12,000 rely on donor registries like NMDP to find an unrelated match for a life-saving transplant.

Roberts has since dedicated herself to raising awareness about the need for donors, and her advocacy has inspired thousands to step forward. Many students and faculty at her alma mater, Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as employees at ABC News stations across the country, have participated in swab drives to increase the donor pool.

A Second Chance to Give Back

One of those inspired to donate was Roberts’ nephew, Jeremiah Craft. When he was first presented with the opportunity to become a donor as a teenager, he declined. However, when another chance came in 2024, he did not hesitate.

“What I’m doing here versus what this person is going through, it’s just incomparable,” Craft said ahead of his donation.

His willingness to step up did not go unnoticed, with Roberts proudly calling him a “superhero” for making a difference in someone’s life.

“I’m trying to do the right thing for the second time,” Craft added, showing his dedication to helping others.

A Heartwarming Meeting Between Donor and Recipient

Another inspiring donor, Katrice Randolph, shared her personal motivation for joining the donor registry. Growing up, she had a close friend whose sister battled sickle cell disease, making her aware of the urgent need for donors.

“When I went to college, I saw the former Be the Match [now NMDP] table and I signed up,” Randolph recalled.

Nine years later, she received the call that she was a match for a young girl named Kelsey, who was the same age as her own sister.

“I have to do this because if this was my sister, I would want somebody to do this for me. So it was an easy yes,” she explained.

Randolph described the donation process as an overwhelmingly positive experience, saying, “The process was amazing, and I would do it again.”

On GMA, she was given the surprise of a lifetime—meeting Kelsey for the first time, along with Kelsey’s mother, Ebony Farris.

Farris, overcome with emotion, expressed her gratitude to Randolph, saying, “Oh my goodness, it restores faith in humanity to do something so selfless for a stranger.”

Hope for Others Waiting for a Match

Stories like Roberts’, Craft’s, and Randolph’s highlight the life-changing impact of stem cell donations, but thousands of people are still waiting for a match.

Among them is Joshua Biyoyouwei, a young boy battling sickle cell disease. His mother, Vera Johnson, has been tirelessly advocating for more people to register as donors, knowing that the cure for her son’s condition could be just one match away.

“I’m praying and hoping that Joshua will find his match. And I just want people to go out and get their cheeks swabbed,” Johnson said. “Just do it on behalf of Joshua or on behalf of any children like him that need a bone marrow transplant.”

Robin Roberts’ Lasting Legacy

As Roberts looks back on her journey, she acknowledges that while it is difficult to relive those challenging moments, she remains deeply grateful.

“I love being a walking, breathing symbol for folks that this too shall pass,” she shared.

Through her advocacy, Roberts has helped raise awareness, encourage donor registrations, and inspire hope for countless individuals. Her impact over the past 12 years has not only changed lives—it has saved them.

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