Robin Roberts, the beloved anchor of “Good Morning America,” recently shared a deeply personal decision she made regarding her role on the show. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, Roberts initially chose to wear a wig on-air to maintain her previous appearance. However, she has now decided to embrace her natural look, a choice influenced by the overwhelming support from viewers and her own journey towards self-acceptance.
Roberts’ decision to shave her head was a way to regain control amidst the significant changes in her life. She received numerous messages from viewers who shared their own experiences and encouraged her to embrace her natural self. One viewer, Marilynn Bernhard from Michigan, wrote, “Like you, I wasn’t ready to shave my head, but after two days of shedding, I was ready. I didn’t even shed a tear. I’m most comfortable ‘naturale.’ The wig is for other people’s comfort, not mine.”
For the past six months, Roberts wore the wig on TV to ensure her appearance did not distract from the news stories of the day. However, she now feels ready to show her true self, quoting lyrics from one of her favorite songs, “I Am Not My Hair” by India.Arie: “I am not my hair, I am not this skin, I am the soul that lives within.” Roberts plans to auction off her wig for charity, a gesture that reflects her gratitude and desire to give back.
In a related story, Michael Strahan, Roberts’ co-anchor on “Good Morning America,” and his daughter Isabella recently opened up about Isabella’s battle with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. Isabella, a freshman at the University of Southern California, was diagnosed in October after an MRI scan revealed the fast-growing tumor. She has since undergone brain surgery, rehabilitation, and six weeks of radiation treatment, and is now preparing to start chemotherapy.
Isabella and Michael Strahan decided to share her health journey publicly to help others facing similar challenges. “This is something that is so personal that I didn’t know if it would be something that she would want to share,” Michael Strahan told Roberts. “But her idea was, ‘I want to share it and I want to help other people,’ and that goes into the spirit of who she’s always been.”
Isabella, who recently launched a campaign with Sephora, expressed her desire to be a voice for others going through similar experiences. She is also starting a YouTube series in partnership with Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center to document her journey. Her decision to share her story aims to bring hope to others and highlight the need for more funding for brain tumor research, particularly for children.
Dr. David Ashley, the neuro-oncologist overseeing Isabella’s care, emphasized the importance of funding for brain tumor research. “It’s an important moment in history because we now have the tools to make the difference,” Ashley told “GMA.” “We know how these brain tumors work. We know the molecular biology. We have new therapies that we could put towards them, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, we just need the resources to put those things into action.”
Medulloblastoma primarily affects young children but can be diagnosed at any age. Symptoms include clumsiness, difficulty walking, fatigue, changes in vision and hearing, and persistent headaches. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with the exact plan depending on various factors such as the tumor’s location and type.
The prognosis for medulloblastoma varies, with more than 70% of patients surviving five years past their diagnosis. However, children under the age of three may have lower survival rates due to limited treatment options. Dr. Ashley stressed the need for better treatments and more funding to improve outcomes for patients with brain tumors.
In another poignant interview with Robin Roberts, New Jersey Judge Esther Salas opened up about the tragic night when her 20-year-old son, Daniel Anderl, was killed in a racially motivated attack. Salas described how the attack by Manhattan lawyer Roy Den Hollander, who posed as a FedEx delivery driver, changed her life instantly. Despite the immense pain, Salas has found strength in her faith and is determined to continue her work as a judge.
Salas shared how her son, Daniel, was the center of her universe and how his loss has motivated her to advocate for better protection for federal judges. She called for measures such as eliminating personally identifiable information from the internet and increasing home security systems. Salas also emphasized the importance of love and forgiveness, stating that she has forgiven her son’s killer and hopes her story inspires others to find strength in difficult times.
Robin Roberts’ decision to embrace her natural look and the stories of Michael Strahan’s daughter and Judge Esther Salas highlight the resilience and courage of individuals facing personal challenges. These stories serve as powerful reminders of the importance of self-acceptance, public awareness, and advocacy for better support and protection for those in need.
Source: ABC News
