"Good Morning America" host Robin Roberts has been hit twice by serious illness in the past few years, but, thanks to treatment and a fighting spirt, has found her way back on the air.
To show that her flight hasn't gone unnoticed, one of the first female anchors of ESPN, will be the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the 2013 ESPYS on July 17, in Los Angeles.
"Robin brings an amazing amount of energy, compassion and determination to everything she does," said ESPN President John Skipper in a statement announcing the award on Tuesday, according to LA Times.
The troubles for the former Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lion started in 2007 when she revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. However, instead of sulking, she empowered viewers as they followed her journey to successfully beat the disease. Five years later, she battled a rare blood disorder, MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome), receiving a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Sally-Ann Roberts.
Even though Roberts was sure to give all of the credit to her mother for first advising her to "make your mess your message," she has become the inspiration for others going though the same fight.
"[it is these] qualities [that] made her an incredible asset during her time here at ESPN, and they have served her well as she battled the terrible health challenges that she's had to face. Robin's accomplishments in so many areas, as an athlete, a broadcaster, a cancer survivor and more, demonstrate her ability to shine regardless of adversity and we could not be more proud to honor her as the recipient of this year's Arthur Ashe Courage Award," said Skipper, according to LA Times.
Skipper's words were seconded by ABC News President Ben Sherwood who said, "her unbreakable spirit was ingrained from an early age in Mississippi," reported ABC News.
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