Longtime “Today” show weatherman and journalist, Al Roker, has been through it (like, really through it) when it comes to his health. Heâs faced multiple hospital stays, major surgery, and some terrifying close calls. But true to form, heâs still cracking jokes like itâs a sunny forecast.
And now, weâre learning something even more heartwarming behind the scenes: one of his co-anchors didnât just show up with support; they rolled up a sleeve and gave him blood. Yep, actual blood.
Turns Out The âTodayâ Crew Really Is Family
During a segment on âToday,â 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.
âI wanted to make sure it was earmarked for you,â Melvin joked, per Us Weekly, who reported on the moment. Without missing a beat, Roker responded: âYeah, in fact, after I got Craigâs blood, I started talking slower and I started drinking more bourbon. So, bonus!â
Thatâs 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.Â
But then in November 2022 blood clots in Rokerâs legs traveled to his lungs forcing him into the hospital. He even missed the Macyâs 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 didnât sugarcoat just how serious his condition was. Roberts called it âthe toughest thing weâve ever endured as a family and a couple.â
Roker also revealed just how close of a call it was: âMy doctor said if I had not been in the shape I had been, I would most likely not be here today,â 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 Melvinâs blood.
Letâs be real: coworkers who donate blood and laugh at your bourbon jokes while youâre recovering? Thatâs a different level of ride-or-die.
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