ABC anchor Robin Roberts elected to Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees

Robin Roberts, co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America, has been elected to the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees, the hospital system announced Friday.

In a news release, Mayo described Roberts as a “leader in raising awareness of health issues.” Roberts began treatment for breast cancer in 2007. Five years later, she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Her public battles with both diseases were met with an outpouring of support nationwide. After receiving a bone marrow transplant from her sister, Roberts joined forced with Be the Match to inform the public about the need for more donors. Since her diagnosis, according to the Mayo release, the bone marrow registry has seen a sizeable increase.

"Robin is a remarkable person and journalist who has a tremendous gift to connect with millions of people through storytelling," said Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, president and CEO of Mayo Clinic. “She will bring invaluable perspective given her incredible ability to overcome her own health adversities to become a leading voice and advocate for others."

As a result of her advocacy, Roberts has received a number of high-profile honors, including a Peabody Award and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award from the ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards).

For her work in broadcasting, Roberts has also been honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Roberts joins a 31-member Board of Trustees made up of both public representatives, as well as Mayo Clinic physicians and administrators.

In addition to Roberts’ selection, Mayo also announced it re-elected three other public trustees this week. They are Kenneth Salazar, the former U.S secretary of the interior under President Obama; Dr. Randolph Steer, an independent pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices consultant; and Anne Sweeney, the former co-chair of Disney Media.

Roshy Didehban, chair of Practice Administration, and Dr. Sarah McLaughlin, chair of the Division of General Surgery in Florida, were elected to four-year terms as internal trustees.

Cover photo: Robin Roberts accepts the Peabody for "Robin's Journey" at the 72nd Annual Peabody Awards Luncheon / credit: Anders Krusberg