'GMA' Robin Roberts praises sister for bone marrow donation

Good Morning America host Robin Roberts has publicly thanked her sister Sally-Ann for her bone marrow donation.

The journalist announced in June that she has been diagnosed with bone marrow disease myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and will thus have a marrow transplant later this year.



Robin's sister Sally-Ann - who will be donating marrow for the procedure - underwent her first tests on Friday (July 6) in advance of the operation.

"My sister, Sally-Ann, went through a lot of tests today in preparation for being my bone marrow donor. She was such a trooper," Robin wrote in a Facebook message to fans last weekend.

The journalist went on to joke that she was less composed while at her sister's side for the medical examination.

"[It was] a long day and she had a smile on her face the entire time. I, on the other hand, couldn't stop crying," she admitted. "I'm so moved by her unrelentless willingness to do whatever it takes to help me."

Roberts previously thanked Good Morning America viewers for their "comfort and support" in the wake of her diagnosis.

Last week, it was reported that ABC News is lining up Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer and other high-profile journalists to fill in for Roberts following the surgery.

Roberts has hosted Good Morning America for seven years.