Sister Study: Donna and Gail

SPOTLIGHT ON SISTERS:

Sally-Ann, Dorothy, and Robin

Left to right: Sally-Ann Roberts and Dorothy Roberts McEwen

Robin Roberts of Good Morning America

Sisters of Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts Join Sister Study for Breast Cancer Research

Sally-Ann Roberts and Dorothy Roberts McEwen LCSW, sisters of ABC’s Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts recently became participants and volunteer spokespersons for the Sister Study.

Like their sister, Sally-Ann and Dorothy are no strangers to working hard everyday to change the lives of others. Sally-Ann is co-anchor on New Orleans’ CBS Eyewitness Morning News and leads a non-profit organization, Each One Save One; and Dorothy is a healthcare administrator as assistant director at South MS Regional Center. As Sister Study spokespersons, the duo will encourage more women to enroll in this important effort, which researchers hope will identify causes of breast cancer and yield information that will help prevent breast cancer for generations to come.

Breast cancer hit close to home when their younger sister, Robin was diagnosed in 2007. It was natural for them to be strong for one another through Robin’s recovery but they were less accustomed to sometimes feeling helpless as they watched their sister battle the disease. Sally-Ann, 54, and Dorothy, 51, both decided that enrolling in the Sister Study would be a way to honor Robin, contribute to a good cause and hopefully help scientists learn about the causes of the disease.

“I learned about the Sister Study while interviewing another study spokesperson on the show,” said Sally-Ann. “I immediately felt that this was an opportunity for me to help answer questions about why Robin may have gotten breast cancer while I had not.” She added, “Future generations will truly benefit from the collective efforts of sisters participating in this study.” While on air, Sally-Ann promised to join the Sister Study and did in fact honor that promise.

The news segment not only encouraged women of New Orleans to enroll, increasing local enrollment by 29%, but Sally-Ann’s commitment motivated her younger sister Dorothy to enroll and also become a spokesperson. As a social worker Dorothy understands the need for research, but wasn’t sure about participating herself. But, like other women who hear about the Sister Study, she overcame her initial reluctance to participate.

“When I compared the amount of time it takes to participate in the Sister Study to the countless hours my sister Robin spent fighting breast cancer, I got past my hesitation and signed up,” said Dorothy. “It’s so important to develop solutions that will answer questions about the environment, genes and breast cancer.” She added, “Unless a wide range of women take their place in research helping to answer these
questions, being able to prevent this disease in the future becomes nearly impossible. Sally-Ann and I are encouraging more women to participate, and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

Sally-Ann and Dorothy will tell their stories and reach out to women in their communities and beyond. The three sisters will also be featured in the October issue of Essence Magazine.