Robin Roberts on Bone Marrow Disease: ‘I’m Going to Beat This’

ABC anchor Robin Roberts is suffering from a blood and bone marrow disease known as MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome, she announced on the “Good Morning America” website on Monday. She explained that the illness was likely caused by her breast cancer treatment five years ago.

“My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this -- and I know it's true,” she wrote. “If you Google MDS, you may find some scary stuff, including statistics that my doctors insist don't apply to me. They say I'm younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.”

Robin will undergo pre-treatment chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant later this year.

“I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure,” Robin said.

Staying positive, she noted that the day she underwent a bone marrow test she found out that she had landed the biggest interview in her career: President Obama.

“The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life.”