Robin Roberts is celebrating a significant milestone—12 years since she returned to Good Morning America following a lifesaving stem cell transplant. 

The beloved morning show anchor, who battled myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder that affects the bone marrow,

has used her platform to spread awareness about stem cell donations and the power of hope.

A Journey of Strength and Support

Roberts vividly recalls her emotional return to GMA in February 2013, a moment that marked the end of a grueling health battle and the beginning of a renewed mission to help others.

Throughout her recovery, she leaned on the unwavering support of her family, friends, and faith.

Her journey would not have been possible without her eldest sister, Sally-Ann Roberts, who selflessly donated her stem cells. “It was the easiest thing in the world to be a donor, and I’m just so amazed at your strength,” Sally-Ann said at the time, recognizing her sister’s resilience.

Roberts’ battle with MDS and her return to the anchor desk became a powerful symbol of survival, inspiring thousands to join the bone marrow registry in the hopes of giving others a second chance at life.

The Need for More Donors

Each year, approximately 18,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with conditions that could be best treated with a stem cell transplant. However, nearly 12,000 of them must rely on a registry to find an unrelated donor, making organizations like the National Marrow Donor Program (formerly Be The Match) critical in providing potential life-saving matches.

Since Roberts’ public battle, thousands have stepped up to register as donors, including students at her alma mater, Southeastern Louisiana University, and staff members at ABC News stations nationwide. The movement to encourage more donors continues, as there are still many patients waiting for a match.

A Second Chance for a Reluctant Donor

Roberts’ nephew, Jeremiah Craft, was one such individual who had the opportunity to make a difference. As a teenager, he initially declined to become a donor. However, in 2024, he got a second chance and didn’t hesitate this time.

Reflecting on his decision, Craft said, “What I’m doing here versus what this person is going through, it’s just incomparable.” His willingness to step up and save a life was met with deep gratitude from his aunt, who called him a “superhero.”

“I’m trying to do the right thing for the second time,” Craft added, emphasizing the importance of making life-changing choices.

A Donor’s Emotional Meeting with a Recipient

Another inspiring story came from Katrice Randolph, who chose to become a donor after witnessing the impact of sickle cell disease on a childhood friend’s sister. When she encountered a bone marrow registry at her college campus years later, she signed up without hesitation.

Nine years later, she was matched with a young girl named Kelsey, who was in desperate need of a transplant. When she learned about the match, Randolph felt an immediate connection. “She’s the same age as my sister,” she recalled. “It was literally like, I have to do this. If this was my sister, I would want somebody to do this for me.”

Randolph was recently given the opportunity to meet Kelsey for the first time in an emotional reunion on Good Morning America. Seeing the impact of her decision firsthand, she said, “The process was amazing, and I would do it again.”

Kelsey’s mother, Ebony Farris, expressed overwhelming gratitude. “Oh, my goodness, it restores faith in humanity to do something so selfless for a stranger,” she said, moved by Randolph’s generosity.

Hope for Patients Still Searching for a Match

While stories like Randolph’s and Craft’s highlight the lifesaving impact of stem cell donations, many patients are still searching for a match. One such patient is Joshua Biyoyouwei, a young boy battling sickle cell disease. His mother, Vera Johnson, has been advocating for more people to join the donor registry in hopes of finding a match for her son.

“I’m praying and hoping that Joshua will find his match,” Johnson said. “I just want people to go out and get their cheeks swabbed. Just do it on behalf of Joshua or on behalf of any children like him that need a bone marrow transplant.”

Robin Roberts’ Continued Advocacy

As Roberts reflects on her journey, she remains a vocal advocate for stem cell donation and continues to encourage people to take the simple step of joining the registry. She understands firsthand that one decision can mean the difference between life and death for someone in need.

Twelve years after her return to Good Morning America, Roberts’ story continues to inspire countless individuals to take action, proving that the gift of life is one of the most powerful legacies anyone can leave behind.