Robin Roberts Honored At ESPY Awards After Surviving Battles With Breast Cancer And Myelodysplastic Syndrome [VIDEOS]
"Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts was honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards Wednesday night.
"Make your mess your message," said Roberts as she stood tall in red to accept her award.
The former ESPN reporter has taken on and survived two very serious illnesses over the past five years. First, Roberts beat breast cancer in 2007. Then she stunned fans in 2012 when she announced that she was leaving the "Good Morning America" for a while to be treated for a rare blood and bone-marrow disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS.
"Sometimes treatment for cancer can lead to other serious medical issues and that's what I'm facing right now," Roberts said. "The reason I am sharing this with everybody right now is because later today I begin what's known as pre-treatment."
After receiving a bone marrow transplant from her older sister and enduring several rounds of intense chemotherapy, Roberts went into recovery and recorded the whole process for her viewers. She triumphantly returned to her anchor desk in February of this year. Roberts also has a memoir that is set to be released in April 2014.
Roberts held back tears as she discussed her emotional journey to receiving an award named for her good friend, Arthur Ashe.
"There are many worthy of holding this honor, others who have exhibited far more courage, strength and resilience, and it's humbling for me to represent you tonight," said Roberts.
You can watch Roberts' emotional journey and poignant acceptance speech below.