Woodruff Family Statement

Feb. 1, 2006 — -- "World News Tonight" anchor Bob Woodruff's wife, Lee Woodruff, issued the following statement in response to the support she and her family have received since her husband was injured in Iraq:

Now that we finally have Bob back in the United States, on behalf of my children and the entire Woodruff family, I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming outpouring of support and love we've received from around the country and around the world.

Your positive thoughts, prayers and good wishes have sustained us over the last 72 hours as we have experienced the highs and lows of this emotional roller coaster. Bob could not have made the progress he has to date without the unbelievable care he received from the military in Iraq, Germany and now, Bethesda. Simply put, they saved his life. There are no words to express our gratitude.

We realize that our family is going through something that thousands of military families have experienced over the last three years since the war began and throughout our history. Bob's name may be more recognizable but his story is no more important. He would be the first to insist that the attention should be focused on the members of the U.S. military whose heroic actions he has reported on for years.

From the first moment, Bob's ABC News family has done everything and anything they could to support us during this difficult period. Bob is blessed with friends and colleagues who love him mightily. The feeling is mutual.

We are so encouraged by the reports we've received from the doctors. While the coming weeks will bring a number of challenges, we're confident Bob's strength and feisty determination will make possible his recovery and return to the work he loves doing.