Robin Roberts took an extended medical leave from "Good Morning America" on Thursday, a day earlier than previously announced.

"The greatest tragedy is to have the experience and miss the meaning," Roberts said. "I am determined not to miss that meaning because through it I have discovered that I have been given many gifts, gifts that will carry me through this difficult time. "

Roberts announced in June that she has myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), five years after being treated for breast cancer. Roberts will receive a transplant later this year from her sister and has taken steps to help others who need treatment. Roberts' sister is a perfect match and that occurrence is rare, happening about 30 percent of the time.

"Bone marrow donors are scarce and particularly for African-American women Roberts wrote in a blog post. "I am very fortunate to have a sister who is an excellent match, and this greatly improves my chances for a cure."

According to the National Marrow Donor Program's data, more than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with blood-related disorders every year. Even thought the best treatment is a bone marrow transplant for the blood-related disorders, unfortunately, not all the patients are as lucky as Robin Roberts, especially for African-Americans. The chance of finding a match on national registry for African-Americans and other minorities is 66 percent, while the number for Caucasians is 93 percent.

Roberts said she will fly to Mississippi on Friday tomorrow to be with her sick mother.

"Our beloved mother, the matriarch of our family, 88-years-old, has had some health issues recently and it's got to the point that Sally-Ann and I need to get home so I'm leaving a day early," Roberts said.

During Roberts' absence, ABC News' Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric , Barbara Walters and Elizabeth Vargas and Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Rob Lowe and the cast of ABC's "Modern Family will help lead the GMA ship.

"You're the team captain and the team is going to run in your absence but you're never really going to be gone," co-anchor Josh Elliott said.

In the latter half of the morning show, Roberts was given several gift from her GMA co-workers and serenaded by country singer Martina McBride who flew in from her national tour to perform.

"I will be back, you know," Roberts said amidst all the tributes. "This is just see you later. See you soon. I will get back as fast as I can."

"I love you and I'll see you soon," she said.

When she was first diagnosed, Roberts said her mother told her to "turn a mess into a message."

"When I received this latest disappointment I did not know what the message would be," she said, "and now I do."

Roberts also said that she was overwhelmed by the support from her colleuges.

"I can't believe the response and I'm really touched that people want to help," said Roberts.

To register is just a simple swab, collecting cells from the inside of your cheek. And if you are a match for someone, the donation process nowadays is usually similar to a blood transfusion.

To become a donor, go to www.bethematch.org.