When ROBIN ROBERTS faced a serious health scare—for a second time—the prognosis was di cult. Leaning on family and friends for strength, support and a lifesaving procedure, she vowed to beat it. And she has. BY LESLIE PEPPER n anniversary is special But It Takes a when Robin Roberts blew out Family the single candle on a red vel As she wrote in vet cake in late summer her GMA blog Athe celebration was particularly joyful “Unlike my fi rst The year before the Good Morning birthday—which of course Nowadays, Sally-Ann America anchor had been diagnosed I don’t remember—this and Robin with myelodysplastic syndrome MDS time around I know I will share more a rare blood disease she developed as never forget all the people than a great a result of chemotherapy treatments who have reached out to me smile. for breast cancer in MDS is a over the past year Your words condition in which bone marrow is of encouragement smiling faces and not populated with suffi cient healthy prayers have carried me through the blood cells Shortly after her diagnosis toughest times I know that I would Roberts left her anchor chair to begin not have made it to this milestone treatment which included a bone mar without you” row transplant Roberts now got more than THOMPSON/ADMEDIA/RETNA BIRDIE BY PHOTO SECONDARY SYNDICATION; DUNEA/CPI MELANIE BY PHOTO MAIN The cake marked the oneyear anni just smiles from those around her It versary of that lifesaving procedure was her older sister SallyAnn who donated bone marrow for the transplant Roberts was extremely lucky Bone mar row donors are scarce particularly for Fa milyAfricanAmerican women FALL THE BASICS OF BONE Roberts also received plenty of sup- of illness,” adds Elizabeth Chabner MARROW port from her Good Morning America Thompson, MD, founder of BFFL DONATION family. She announced her illness on- Co. (“Best Friends for Life”), which air, colleagues by her side and a box of designs products to help patients Each year nearly 20,000 Kleenex Velcroed to the couch. Her fel- recover from breast and prostate cancer people could benefit from a low anchors not only rallied around her surgeries, among other procedures. potentially lifesaving bone when she revealed her diagnosis but also But it’s not always easy to get the marrow transplant. If you’re thinking about donating, supported her when she was off the air. right support. If you’re the family care- here’s what to expect. When Roberts took a leave of absence, taker, it is difficult to ask for help or 3During the procedure, ABC News said there would be no accept the attention being focused on called bone marrow harvest, ongoing replacement. Instead, Barbara you. A few lessons from Roberts: doctors use a special needle Walters, Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric When you need it, reach out to withdraw the liquid mar- and Kelly Ripa offered to tag-team. for help—even if it feels awkward. As row from both sides of the “We have so many people who love Sally-Ann Roberts told Parade, “I was back of the pelvic bone. Robin so much that everyone is willing really surprised at how difficult it was 3You’ll be under anesthe- to come and join us for a bit,” said Good for her to be the one in need.” Robin sia and won’t be aware of Morning America executive producer was used to being the caretaker in her the procedure, which usually Tom Cibrowski. family. “I’m always the mother hen and takes an hour or two. I always want to take charge,” she has 3The incisions are so small, you won’t need stitches. Build Your Team said. But the Roberts family relished the 3Afterward, you’ll go to When you’ve been given a life-threatening opportunity to give something back. the recovery room to be diagnosis, support from friends and fam- Chabner Thompson recommends monitored. Most donors ily is important. “People dealing with asking specifically for things you go home the same day or serious illnesses are better able to man- need. “If you leave it up to [others], DUNEA/C MELANIE BY PHOTO the next morning. age the emotional impact when receiving you’ll have five lasagnas and no milk in 3Although you may little kindnesses from family and friends, the refrigerator.” have soreness or bruising and peers who have dealt with similar Spread the wealth. If you feel bad in the hip and lower back, issues,” says William Penzer, PhD, author about putting the burden on one person, most donors return to their of How to Cope Better When Someone You ask several people to help. One friend regular schedule within a P I Love Has Cancer. can drive you to appointments, another SYN few days. “There is pretty solid evidence that can pick up your medication, a cousin D I C A companionship … improve[s] survival can just sit and watch television with you TION rates for patients with many types when you’re too tired to do anything else. 12 FALL 2014 CALL There’s also a role for email friends, A NEARBY whether they’re former work colleagues ESCAPE or people you know primarily through The June Hawk-Franklin Facebook. They may be the perfect ear Healing Inside Garden of Meditation and for times when you need to talk (or and Out Healing is part of the thera- type) things through. The Cancer Resource Centre, peutic environment of the spread the word. Anyone diagnosed 926 Ridge Road, Munster, Cancer Resource Centre in with a serious illness will do a lot of is a support program of the Munster. A tranquil retreat, research on the topic. Don’t hesitate to Community Cancer Research the outdoor space has been share your findings with your family Foundation. Call 219-836- designed to help cancer and friends. They may dig even deeper. 3349 for information. patients and their loved ones When Roberts told her good friends manage stress, relax and Sawyer and GMA medical correspondent regain control of their health Richard Besser, MD, about her diagnosis, and their lives. The medita- tion and healing garden pro- the trio began calling specialists. “We surround yourself with people motes the healing of mind, were like a little tiger team, the three with whom you can be genuine. body and spirit by offering a of us,” Besser told Parade. “People won- When you’re unhappy, disappointed, contemplation area among dered, why is Diane in Rich’s office with angry or confused about your disease, shady oaks and graceful birch the door closed?” Besser and Roberts you should be free to express your feel- trees. Dual waterfalls empty interviewed doctors together; he checked ings. “Don’t be afraid to let people know into a serene pond. A brick out the medical angle while she sought that you’re tired or anxious or in pain,” path winds past the white an emotional comfort level. Chabner Thompson says. “If you’re pine, hemlock, willow, fra- avoid emotional vampires. Even grumpy, they won’t blame you, they’ll grant hydrangeas and medic- well-intentioned friends may head blame the illness.” inal plants. Cancer patients down the wrong path while trying to For Roberts, making it through her can tap into all their senses be supportive. It grates when someone ordeal has left her with nothing but grat- and experience the healing qualities of nature. Inside the compares his or her medical situation itude toward her siblings, her friends, centre you’ll find a variety of to yours. It’s up to you to step in and her medical team and her fans. educational programs, sup- say, “I know diabetes has been difficult Last year, a fan tweeted this question port services and alternative for you, but today I’d really appreciate to Robin: “What comforted you most?” therapies, all offered free of it if we could focus on me.” If that’s not Robin tweeted back, “Faith, family charge to patients with can- possible, it’s OK to step away. and friends.” ■ cer and their loved ones. 3Branch out Every con- other person question her Friends in need versation doesn’t have to center own choices. on illness. Ask about your friend’s Make an offer she What do you say to a friend who’s seriously ill? How can you make a 3 golf game or whether she saw can’t refuse Instead of ask- relative’s recovery easier? Here are seven tips for bringing comfort— the latest episode of Downton ing how you can help, tell her and even joy—to the people you love. Abbey. People going through what you’ll do. “I’ll take Maddy 3PreP for the worst implies you’re dismissing your treatment need to take a break to dance class today” or “I’m She may look very different, friend’s fears, acknowledge the from it every once in a while. dropping off a frozen casserole but don’t express shock or go situation. “I know this must be 3resist the urge to tonight.” Don’t give her the on about her appearance. Give hard for you.” share Sure, your mother opportunity to say no. her a hug and say, “It’s great 3stay flexiBle If your or step-cousin Lulu may have 3Just do it! Don’t let the to see you.” friend has to cancel a visit, don’t had cancer. But everyone’s idea of perfection stop you. 3Be Positive But make her feel guilty. Expect experience is different, and Whatever you do—whether Prudent Instead of say- the unexpected when a friend even the most well-intentioned emailing a kitten video or mak- ing, “You’ll be just fine,” which is going through treatment.