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Roberts was able to recover, but the couple’s struggles were far from over. Just last year, it became Roberts’ turn to be the caregiver when Laign received her own breast cancer diagnosis.

Laign received surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. “It’s my turn now to be there for her like she was for me,” Roberts said when she announced Laign’s illness. “And that means I’ll be away

from _GMA_ from time to time like this morning as she starts chemo. We know many, many are facing cancer and other challenges. Like my mama said, ‘Everybody’s got something.’ Please know

that you are in our prayers, and hopefully we’re in yours, too.” Reflecting on their journey, Laign said: “[In] our roles as caregivers and patients, we’re pretty fortunate. [It’s]

unfortunate that we had to go through it, but that we’ve both supported each other on both sides of those roles.” FINDING STRENGTH IN CAREGIVING Caregiving can feel very isolating for some,

but it’s important for people caring for loved ones — like Roberts and Laign have — to know they’re not alone. According to an AARP report, about 38 million Americans spent 36 billion hours

caring for adults with chronic, disabling or serious health conditions in 2021.​ “Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in this country,” said Susan Reinhard, senior vice

president, AARP Public Policy Institute. “The care they provide is invaluable to those receiving it. But this is not just a family issue: It impacts communities, employers, and our health

and long-term care systems. We must treat family caregivers as the valuable resource that they are by providing them the support they need to care for loved ones while also caring for

themselves.” Being a caregiver can be a heavy burden to bear. But, thankfully, Roberts and Laign have found ways to use their caregiving experiences to reinforce their relationship.​ “Many

people go into marriage hoping for and looking for what Amber and I already know we have, and so ours is a celebration,” Roberts said on _GMA_.  “We’ve been living our happily ever after

through all the ups and downs, so it’s a celebration.” If you’re a caregiver looking for information or support, check out AARP’s resource page at aarp.org/caregiving.