Five months after battling back and overcoming a rare blood disorder, TV host Robin Roberts received a huge welcoming return to her slot on ABC’s Good Morning America. "I have been waiting 174 days to say this: 'Good Morning America' " the delighted star said on her first morning back in front of the cameras.

Roberts received a standing ovation as she returned to the studio, and justly so. Her condition meant that she had to undergo a bone-marrow transplant in order to treat it, one of the more grizzly procedures that you can go through, and her courage in overcoming the physical and mental challenges of it is to be commended. Billed as a special around Roberts, Good Morning America saw the host receive a welcome back message from President Barack and First Lady Michaelle Obama. She’s interviewing the pair in a few days."Good morning America and welcome back Robin," Obama said. "Robin," Michelle Obama added, "we just want you to know that the whole Obama family — we've been thinking about you and praying for you and rooting for you every step of the way."

Roberts herself seemed utterly thrilled to be back. "I keep pinching myself and I realize this is real. This is actually happening, and I don't have my froggy slippers on, or do I?" she said. "Faith, family and friends have brought me to this moment and I am so full of gratitude. There are so many people I want to thank throughout the morning, my doctors and nurses and family and colleagues and people who have sat in this chair and those who have blazed the trail before me.” She continued  "As my mother said, we all have something and everyone's story has purpose and meaning and value and I share this morning, this day of celebration with everyone."

Robin Roberts ABC Studios

Robin Roberts at ABC Studios last year