Roberts thanks viewers on day of marrow transplant

Created on Thursday, 20 September 2012 14:07 Last Updated on Monday, 03 December 2012 20:13 Published on Thursday, 20 September 2012 14:07 Written by Associated Press Hits: 1511

NEW YORK (AP)—Robin Roberts has thanked her viewers for their support as she faces a bone marrow transplant.
The "Good Morning America" co-anchor sent a video message taped from her New York hospital bed for airing on the program Thursday, which is the day she's set to have the transplant.

SENDS THANKS— This Aug. 20, 2012 file photo released by ABC shows co-host Robin Roberts during a broadcast of "Good Morning America," in New York. (AP Photo/ABC, Donna Svennevik, file)

Declaring that "thoughts are so powerful," Roberts told her audience: "I feel the love and I thank you for it."

Roberts' transplant comes after 11 days spent in the hospital and eight days of chemotherapy to prepare her for the procedure. The donor is her older sister, Sally-Ann Roberts.

In June, the 51-year-old Roberts disclosed that she has MDS, a rare blood disorder.

Her last day on "GMA" was Aug. 30 before she began extended medical leave from the ABC morning show.