Early last fall, I was elated to be among the attendees at the M.D. Anderson Moon Shots Program Announcement. This announcement still brings a sense of excitement as I recall how they spoke of the cancers that they were focusing on, one in particular stands out - myelodysplastic syndrome.
Myelodysplastic syndrome occurs when the blood-forming cells in the bone marrow are not making healthy blood cells, they are damaged an ineffective to maintain good health. As a result, it may lower the red blood cells, the white blood cells or the platelets. This form of cancer was once referred to as acute myeloid leukemia. However, due to it's distinct effect, it now stands on its own as myeloidysplastic syndrome (MDS).
Although I did not speak personally with Holly Easley, I saw her at the event. Holly is a myeloidysplactic syndrome survivor. She is vibrant with a great style of her own and as a survivor, she wore it well.
For a familiar face, we feature Good Morning America's Robin Roberts who shares her journey with MDS. Battling cancer for the second time was no easy feat. In fact, many were wondering if she would be able to make it through. Thankfully, Ms. Roberts was willing to share her journey with us and in doing so, she not only inspired others, it brought attention to the disease. According to ABC News, bone marrow donors have increased. Be sure to listen to her incredible journey.
While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme - cancer changes our lives forever.
It all began with an invitation to attend an event at MD Anderson Cancer Center. This was not an ordinary invitation, this one was different. A major announcement of the initial cancers will be addressed as part of their Moon Shots Program, a highly-concentrated effort to rapidly and dramatically decrease suffering and death from cancer. How exciting?!! Anything that promised to make a difference in the realm of cancer - I just had to be there.
And off I went to Houston, Texas. Totally excited! Get your snacks, this is going to be good.
The big day arrived, Friday, September 21st, 2012. There was a breakfast reception where the invited guests mingled and met the President of MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Ronald DePinho. The conference room was filled with a mix of medical staff, cancer patients/survivors and their families as well as the media. I found my seat and waited with a smile. You cannot imagine how happy I was, happy for the news that will affect the lives of so many.
Dr. DePinho opened up with a welcome, introduced the guests on the stage and the moment that I waited for had come - the launch of the Moon Shots Program. This program will dramatically accelerate the pace of converting scientific discoveries into clinical advances that reduce cancer deaths.
Here are the 8 cancers that the program will target on the initial launch:
**Acute Myeloid Leukemia/Myelodysplastic Syndrome
**Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
**Melanoma
**Lung Cancer
**Prostate Cancer
**Triple Negative Breast and Ovarian Cancers - two cancers linked at the molecular level.
Tears of joy flowed as I thought of the families who would be able to enjoy their time with their loved ones - living longer lives. Weddings, graduations, concerts, births, baptisms, christenings, confirmations, bar and bat mitzvahs and other important events will be shared together.
As we follow the journeys of those whose lives have been touched by cancer, it gave me a thrill to be a part of such an ambitious program. Stay tuned for more on the MD Anderson Moon Shots Program and the wonderful people I met there. Coming soon the journey of a newlywed couple who are both fighting cancer.
And the journey continues....... This morning, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America shared that she is facing a new health challenge.
In her words:
As many of you know, 5 years ago I beat breast cancer. I’ve always been a fighter, and with all of your prayers and support, a winner.
Sometimes the treatment for cancer can cause other serious medical problems. Today, I want to let you know that I’ve been diagnosed with MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome. It's a disease of the blood and bone marrow and was once known as preleukemia.
My doctors tell me I'm going to beat this -- and I know it's true.
If you Google MDS, you may find some scary stuff, including statistics that my doctors insist don’t apply to me. They say I’m younger and fitter than most people who confront this disease and will be cured.
Today, I will start what is known as pre-treatment -– chemotherapy in advance of a bone marrow transplant later this year. Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women. I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure. As you know from my recent interview with Mark Zuckerberg, organ donation is vitally important. Many people don't realize they can be bone marrow donors. I encourage everyone to sign up on a donor registry like bethematch.org.
I received my MDS diagnosis on the very day that Good Morning America finally beat the Today Show for the first time in 16 years. Talk about your highs and lows! Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life.
Bottom line: I’ve been living with this diagnosis for awhile and will continue to anchor GMA. I love what I do and the people with whom I do it. Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge.
Going forward, it’s business as usual at GMA, which means I’ll be right here every day with George, Sam, Josh and Lara. When I miss a day here or there, I’m fortunate that some very talented friends at ABC News will fill-in. When I undergo the transplant later this year, I’ll miss a chunk of time.
When I faced breast cancer, your prayers and good wishes sustained me, gave me such hope and played a major role in my recovery. In facing this new challenge, I ask humbly for more of your prayers and love – as I will keep you in my mine and update you regularly on my condition.
Love and blessings,
Robin
Many of us followed Robin's journey through breast cancer and watched her face it head on. We stood by the sidelines cheering her on and now it's time to get the pom poms and prayers out. While each journey is unique, we all share a common theme cancer changes our lives forever.
Early last fall, I was elated to be among the attendees at the M.D. Anderson Moon Shots Program Announcement. This announcement still brings a sense of excitement as I recall how they spoke of the cancers that they were focusing on, one in particular stands out - myelodysplastic syndrome. 
