Robin Roberts To Be Honored AT ESPYS

Being a broadcaster, I have admired numerous people in the business over the years.  I have admired the likes of South Dakota's own Tom Brokaw, Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather and many, many others.

I have long since admired Robin Roberts.  Not only for her presence on-air over the years, but mostly for her courage shown in battling and beating cancer not once, but twice and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and dignity through both ordeals.

In 2007 as the co-host of Good Morning America, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to become very public with her battle.    Her viewers, including myself, followed her progress.

Last year, she announced she was suffering from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood and bone marrow disease.  She again vowed to beat it, and again became very public about it.

Following a successful bone marrow transplant and a leave of absence from the network, Roberts returned to work in February.

Others have noticed the kind of person Robin Roberts is.  She is being honored by ESPN to receive the Arthur Ashe Courage Award  July 17th at the ESPY Awards.

ESPN President John Skipper couldn't be prouder give the award to Roberts.  "Robin brings an amazing amount of energy, compassion and determination to everything she does. 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.  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."

Roberts did not ever turn the cameras on herself for personal gain.  She did it to give hope and encouragement to others.  She has been a trail blazer for others and she has done it with class and dignity and has earned the respect of myself and countless others.