Robin Roberts Takes Medical Leave Early 'Things Going on At Home'
Beloved "Good Morning America" co-host Robin Roberts has taken leave earlier than expected ahead of treatment for a rare disorder due to a family crisis.
In addition to starting treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) shortly, the 51-year-old will also be assisting her ailing mother.
Roberts delivered a heartfelt goodbye to "GMA" viewers Thursday morning and also divulged "some things happened at home."
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The television personality explained that 88-year-old mother Lucimarian's health is in decline and that things had "gotten to a point" where she "needed to get home."
Moreover, Hurricane Isaac is currently affecting her family.
"I know the journey ahead will not be easy, but I'm going to focus on all these gifts," said Roberts during her goodbye where she read messages from "GMA" fans.
She was not scheduled to leave "GMA" until Friday, Aug. 31, but now, her return date is also likely to see change.
While home in Mississippi, Roberts will receive a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Sally.
Roberts said Thursday's show would be her last "for awhile," and provided no further details, although she assured fans, "I'll be back as soon as I can."
ABC's star co-host received floods of messages from friends and family following her MDS diagnosis earlier this year. Roberts is also a breast cancer survivor.
Directly following her announcement about the disease, also known as pre-leukemia, Roberts gratefully thanked everyone for their well wishes, noting how much they meant to her.
"I slept like a baby last night for the first night since my diagnosis," Roberts said in June on "GMA."
"My family and I are overwhelmed and comforted by the response from everyone," she added.
In her absence, ABC has prepared replacement co-hosts for Roberts, including Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Kelly Ripa, and Oprah Winfrey.
