Diane Sawyer to join Robin Roberts on TV special called 'Robin's Journey'

On Feb. 20, “Good Morning America's” Robin Roberts returned to her anchor chair, five months to the day since she underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat MDS, a rare blood disorder. On the very same day, executives from ABC released details about an upcoming special edition of “20/20” called “Robin’s Journey,” which airs on Friday, Feb. 22. During the one-hour TV special, Diane Sawyer, who was alongside Roberts during her breast cancer battle and her bone marrow transplant, will sit down with her good friend to reflect on the past year.

Diane Sawyer’s last day on “GMA” was Dec. 11 in 2009. Her co-host and dear friend Robin Roberts said at the time, “Diane is the type of person who makes you feel everything’s going to be alright." Sawyer left “GMA” to replace retiring Charles Gibson on “World News,” but she and Robin remained close friends. In fact, Robin even called Diane her “Thelma.”

Robin RobertsRobin Roberts

“Robin’s Journey” will include never-before-seen private moments, beginning with the pre-transplant treatment, through her time in the hospital, to the “all clear” moment to return to “Good Morning America,” plus the many challenging times and milestones along the way.

In addition to Diane Sawyer, friends and co-workers George Stephanopoulos, Sam Champion, Josh Elliott, Lara Spencer and Dr. Richard Besser will also help Roberts tell her inspiring story on “20/20.” “Robin’s Journey” will showcase the people who inspired Robin, as well as those whom she inspired with her incredible hope and inspiration. “Robin’s Journey” airs on a special edition of “20/20” at 10 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 22 on ABC.

In the meantime, Robin Roberts continues to sit in her anchor chair on “GMA.” On Wednesday, she returned to a hero’s welcome. She said on air, “Hi, it’s Robin and I have been waiting 174 days to say this ‘Good morning, America.’” She added that she had to keep pinching herself to make sure her return was real and stated, “Faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment.” It was a day of celebration after a difficult trek that began last June, when she informed viewers of her MDS diagnosis. Her first guests were the doctors and medical team that took care of her for five months. At the end of her first broadcast, Robin added, "We can resume regular programming."

In addition to the "20/20" special on Friday, fans can also catch Robin Roberts in action on Sunday when she covers the red carpet at the 2013 Oscars for ABC.

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