14 DAY TRIAL // Robin Roberts has been through a lot these past few years, from battling cancer to being diagnosed and receiving treatment for MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). She used her personal problems as a platform for raising awareness on various issues and, for that, ESPN will be awarding her with the Courage award at the 2013 ESPYS.
Before she became a co-anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America, Roberts was a sports anchor on ESPN – and one of the first in the industry.
She’s paved the way for women in the industry, inspiring them to always want to achieve more and, at the same time, inviting them into her own life, with its struggles, obstacles and joys.
“Robin Roberts will receive the Arthur Ashe Courage award at the 2013 ESPYS on July 17 in Los Angeles. The award goes to individuals whose contributions transcend sports. Past honorees include Jim Valvano, Muhammad Ali, Dean Smith, Billie Jean King and Pat Summitt,” ESPN says.
“The 2013 ESPYS will recognize the strength and courage Roberts has displayed throughout her life and career,” adds the same media outlet.
In a phone interview with ESPN (video is available at this link), Roberts explains why she decided to go public with her cancer and MDS battles and how her mother was the one who first advised her to “make your mess your message.”
She also recalls her days at ESPN and how she would report from the ESPYS and be in awe of the people honored at the awards gala. She almost can’t believe that she too will get the same treatment later this year, she says, her voice trembling with emotion.
If you know Roberts through her work and count yourself her fan, this is one interview you probably wouldn’t want to miss.
“Robin brings an amazing amount of energy, compassion and determination to everything she does,” ESPN President John Skipper says in a statement accompanying the announcement.
“Those qualities 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,” Skipper adds.