Monday, December 31, 2012

Robin Roberts to take extended leave from 'Good Morning America'

Reports surfaced yesterday that newscaster Robin Roberts will extend her medical leave from Good Morning America.

Roberts, 52, began an extended medical leave from GMA on August 30, 2012 (a day earlier than planned) in order to receive her bone marrow transplant due to her MDS, a condition that she announced that she had received in June, and to attend the health of her mother, Lucimarian Roberts (born February 5, 1924) following Hurricane Isaac. Lucimarian died a few hours after Robin's arrival on the same day that she began her medical leave.

Roberts underwent her bone marrow transplant in September, a transplant which she received from her older sister, Sally-Ann Roberts. She was released from the hospital on October 11, three weeks after undergoing the transplant.

Sources connected to Roberts and GMA stated that Roberts' immune system is currently extremely weak, which will cause her return to the show to be delayed to May at the earliest, but more likely June. Sources are stating that Roberts could return by February, however that she is taking the necessary 5-6 months on the bench. A rep said that Roberts "isn't crazy about [taking an extended leave] but realizes it's necessary". Cards and emails wishing Roberts well are reportedly coming in by the truckload, and GMA producers predict that Roberts' return will boost ratings for the show even higher, which may cause problems for rival program Today.

We're wishing all the best for Robin.

No comments:

Post a Comment