“SILENT STRENGTH”: Hoda Kotb’S CANCER Fight REVEALS A Side Of Her Never Seen Before And The TRUTH BEHIND Her Mission Is UNFORGETTABLE

Hoda Kotb is leaving NBC's 'Today' early next year - Los Angeles Times

The title of Today show cohost Hoda Kotb’s new book, Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee, says it all: Kotb is a force of nature with a wicked sense of humor. She is also a breast cancer survivor (she was diagnosed in 2007 and isn’t afraid to talk about the ordeal). Indeed, she’s using her life experiences to help improve the lives of other cancer survivors.
—Elisabeth Egan

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When she knew she had to help

“One day, right after my mastectomy, I went for a walk in Central Park, and there wasthis mob of people blocking the road. I thought, ‘Oh, great, now I’m stuck!’ but then I suddenly realized that it was a breast cancer walk. I applauded until my hands hurt, tearsstreaming down my cheeks, thinking, ‘Wow, these women are in the game, and I’m on the sidelines.’ Until that moment, I’d wanted to cram cancer down in my pocket.”

At left: Kotb at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event in 2009.

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What she brings to the cause

“When you’re lost in the weeds and scared, it’s comforting to see someone who has been down that road, who can say, ‘Look at me—I’m still standing, working, trying to dateagain. I’m not curled up in the fetal position. I’m here to report that you’re going to show your cleavage again.'”

At left: The ring that Hoda inspired. A portion of the proceeds go to charity. $5; NBCUniversal.com

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How she refuels

“I crank up the music, grab a bowl of mint-chocolate chip ice cream or some blueberryPop-Tarts and settle down for a night of Law & Order reruns. I also repeat my mantras: ‘You can’t scare me’ and ‘Forward!'”

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Why she’s braver now

“If it weren’t for my breast cancer, I wouldn’t be a Today host. After I got better, I talked to my boss about working on the show. Six months before, I’d have been terrified to go in there and ask for what I wanted. But after what I’d been through, how could I be scared of being told no?”

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How you can use your power

“Take the focus off yourself. That may seem counterintuitive, because everyone is busy, but when you help someone else, you’re really helping yourself. And it doesn’t have to be a big thing. Look for small victories. If we all helped one person, wouldn’t the world be an unbelievable place?”

At left: Kotb with Maria Menounos at SELF‘s Women Doing Good Awards.