Al Roker’s Famous Co-Worker Donated Blood to Him During Health Battles

Longtime “Today” show weatherman and journalist, Al Roker, has been through it (like, really through it) when it comes to his health. He’s faced multiple hospital stays, major surgery, and some terrifying close calls. But true to form, he’s still cracking jokes like it’s a sunny forecast.

And now, we’re learning something even more heartwarming behind the scenes: one of his co-anchors didn’t just show up with support; they rolled up a sleeve and gave him blood. Yep, actual blood.

Turns Out The “Today” Crew Really Is Family

During a segment on “Today,” Craig Melvin shared that he gave blood for Roker during that rough patch. And in true morning-show buddy fashion, the banter between the two was instantly back on.

Getty (Jamie McCarthy)

“I wanted to make sure it was earmarked for you,” Melvin joked, per Us Weekly, who reported on the moment. Without missing a beat, Roker responded: “Yeah, in fact, after I got Craig’s blood, I started talking slower and I started drinking more bourbon. So, bonus!”

That’s right; Roker was out here cracking jokes about bourbon and speech patterns while recovering from life-threatening internal bleeding.

His Recovery Was As Tough As It Gets

For those who may have forgotten, the rollercoaster started in November of 2020 when Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer. And he seemed to have overcome the life-threatening disease. 

But then in November 2022 blood clots in Roker’s legs traveled to his lungs forcing him into the hospital. He even missed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade that year for the first time in nearly three decades. He was rushed back to the hospital just weeks later, where doctors discovered bleeding ulcers that led to emergency surgery.

In a June interview with People, he and wife Deborah Roberts didn’t sugarcoat just how serious his condition was. Roberts called it “the toughest thing we’ve ever endured as a family and a couple.”

Roker also revealed just how close of a call it was: “My doctor said if I had not been in the shape I had been, I would most likely not be here today,” he shared.

Bourbon, Blood, and Brotherhood

The good news? He pulled through. And he did it with the help of top-notch medical care, the love of his family; and yes, a pint of Craig Melvin’s blood.

Let’s be real: coworkers who donate blood and laugh at your bourbon jokes while you’re recovering? That’s a different level of ride-or-die.

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