Good Morning America host, Robin Roberts was recently honored with an esteemed award. But Robin recognizes she has a message that others need to hear. She tears up as she shares about her huge decision to take her illness public.

Robin Roberts Is Recognized For Her Lifetime Achievement

Recently, Good Morning America host, Robin Roberts was honored with a distinguished award from Poynter Institute. She accepted the Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism at the Annual Bowtie Ball. Undeniably, her co-hosts, Michael Strahan and George Stephanopoulos, had nothing but beautiful things to say about the journalism pioneer being awarded. While she is a strong presence in the GMA world, she is known for her confidence and ability to make others around her feel seen.

On Instagram, Robin Roberts shares her appreciation for her prestigious award. She captions, “So honored to be awarded their Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism. Inspired by the many incredible journalists who were in the audience and grateful to members of our @goodmorningamerica family for joining me in Tampa!”

Robin Roberts Tears Up Sharing Her Decision To Take Illness Public

An Instagram video from the special event captions: “As a trailblazing author and TV anchor who boldly owns her authentic journey as a Black gay woman and cancer survivor, Roberts exemplifies what it means to be a modern journalist.” But the crowning moment in Robin Robert’s career came with many challenges along the way.

She tears up while she acknowledges the difficult decision she faced to discuss her illness with the public. In 2012, she received the diagnosis of a rare bone marrow disease, myelodysplastic syndrome. While cancer is always heartwrenching, going through it in the public eye is an animal of its own.

While ultimately, she thanked her mom for encouraging her to share, she knew it was her chance to help others. She says, “Oh my gosh. It wasn’t an easy decision. It was my mama who said, ‘Make your mess your message.’”

She Counts Her Blessings

Furthermore, Robin Roberts understood her situation was hard, but she also knew she had many things going for her at the start of her battle. She says, “And to know that I was very fortunate that I was gonna be receiving quality healthcare, that I was not gonna lose my job…and a lot of people can’t say that when they go through a health journey.” While her diagnosis was a stumbling block, it didn’t define her. Instead, she used her experience to cushion the blow for others who were given similar terrible news.

Robin Roberts Knows It Was The Right Decision

Additionally, GMA newscaster, Robin Roberts knows she made the right decision to take it public. She shares, “Knowing that I was making my mess my message and I was getting the message out about how you live with cancer and how you become a thriver, not just a survivor…it’s moments like that when I realize, as difficult as it was, it was the right decision and I’m grateful.” After announcing the intimidating health condition on GMA, she took several months away from her job. However, in 2013, she returned after a bone marrow transplant. She allowed filming of the treatment with the title, Robin’s Journey. Furthermore, capturing the process won her a Peabody Award in 2012.

Robin Roberts mentioned that she recently spoke with someone at the Riverwalk. She says a passerby named Angela hugged her. She revealed that Robin was a big inspiration in her cancer struggles. After Robin returned to GMA in 2013, her former co-anchor, Amy Robach, went through a breast cancer battle. But with Robin’s encouragement to get a live mammogram on the show, they caught the issue early and she became “cancer-free” in 2022. Likewise, GMA co-star, Michael Strahan’s daughter, Isabella, is facing a medulloblastoma diagnosis which is still ongoing. While no one wants cancer, Robin is thankful her experience can help her usher others through the life-changing process.

What do you think about Robin Robert’s reflection on her health journey? Does her journey and focus on positivity through her illness inspire you? Are you happy to see the GMA newscaster receive the Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism? Drop your comments below.