Hoda Kotb knows very well the struggle of going through cancer and has made it her mission this year to lift the spirits of kids struggling with the same disease.
According to NBC's "Today," the morning show host is working closely with St. Jude's Children Hospital to help kids battling the disease, by making a music video. As part of the "Today" show's year-long "Shine A Light initiative," Kotb said the video will be "an anthem about being brave and being strong."
"As a cancer survivor myself, I know what it feels like as a grownup," Kotb said. "But what I can't even fathom, even now, is what it feels like to be a kid ... struggling with this grown-up disease, something they shouldn't have to deal with. And all you want to do is reach out and help and hug."
Kotb recalled her first visit to St. Jude's in Memphis.
"I remember thinking, what's happening?" she said. "My heart was breaking, and then five minutes later, I'm with these kids who were kids. These kids who were playing."
In 2007, TV personality underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer, later becoming an advocate for breast cancer awareness, herself
Kotb's co-host Kathie Lee Gifford's set a goal is to raise money for the Salvation Army through book "encouraging families to make memories with their loved ones." Co-host Carson Daly chose to give back by shedding a light on hunger in America.
"I want this book to be a blessing to whoever picks it up," Lee said. "I want to put a smile on their face. I want to put a prayer of gratitude in their own souls for the blessings that they have in life."
Fans can track the host progress through the Shine a Light page on Facebook.
