Robin Roberts is marking a significant milestone in her life and career, celebrating 12 years since her return to Good Morning America following a life-saving bone marrow transplant. 

The beloved anchor took to Instagram to share her gratitude, 

reflecting on the moment she stepped back onto the GMA set after battling myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder that affects the bone marrow.

A Triumphant Return to GMA

In a heartfelt post, Roberts shared a clip from 2013, capturing the moment she rejoined her co-anchors, including George Stephanopoulos and Lara Spencer, after a 174-day absence.

“Will never forget returning to the anchor desk 12 years ago today following my bone marrow transplant,” she wrote in her caption. 

“So grateful for all we’ve done since then to highlight the incredible need to increase the registries so others can have a second chance.”

The video featured her emotional welcome back to the studio, with colleagues and crew members greeting her with fist bumps as she took her seat at the anchor desk. In the footage, Roberts smiled and told George Stephanopoulos, “I keep pinching myself.”

Overcoming a Life-Threatening Diagnosis

Roberts was diagnosed with MDS in 2012, a condition that required her to undergo an urgent bone marrow transplant. Her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, was a perfect match and became her donor, helping to save her life.

Her health battle meant stepping away from GMA for nearly six months, but her return in February 2013 was met with overwhelming support from viewers and colleagues alike. Since then, she has used her platform to advocate for bone marrow donation, encouraging others to sign up as potential donors and raising awareness about the critical need for matches.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact

Since opening up about her health journey, Roberts has been instrumental in bringing attention to bone marrow diseases. She has worked closely with organizations like the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), formerly Be The Match, to encourage more people to join the donor registry.

Her advocacy has had a profound impact. During a recent GMA segment reflecting on her 12-year anniversary, co-anchor Sam Champion reported some staggering numbers:

155 people have donated bone marrow since Roberts began raising awareness.

More than 37,000 individuals have joined the registry.

Over $2 million has been raised in financial contributions.

These numbers reflect the real change Roberts has helped create, giving hope to patients in need of life-saving transplants.

An Emotional Look Back

While Roberts is incredibly grateful for her journey, she admitted that revisiting old footage of her return remains difficult.

“I’m very grateful, don’t get me wrong, but it’s difficult… I love being a walking, breathing symbol for folks that this too shall pass,” she shared during the anniversary segment on GMA.

Her vulnerability resonated with viewers, many of whom took to social media to share their own experiences. One follower commented, “Signed up because of you. Icon!!!” Another wrote, “I will never forget watching you, without knowing that a few years later, I would be battling AML and getting a bone marrow transplant. I hope my donor sees this and gets to meet me.”

Continuing to Inspire

Now 64, Roberts remains a guiding light for so many, not just as an anchor but as a survivor who turned her struggle into a mission. She has continued to use her voice to advocate for patients battling serious illnesses and has made it her mission to ensure that more lives are saved through awareness and action.

Her return to GMA 12 years ago was more than just a professional milestone—it was a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of hope. Through her unwavering dedication to increasing bone marrow donor registration, she has ensured that countless others have a fighting chance, just as she did.

As Roberts looks back on the past 12 years, she remains committed to making a difference, proving that even in the face of adversity, hope and kindness can change lives.

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