Donna Brown's Fundraiser:

Hoda Kotb wrote -

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH

You know how your life is perfect on Monday and then on Tuesday it all falls a part?  That's what happened to me seven years ago when a doctor called me and told me I had breast cancer. I needed a mastectomy --and reconstruction. An excruciating time. I thank God that I have wonderful doctors, family, friends and faith that helped me through, but I also had something else -- music. Sounds funny but those notes and lyrics soothed me and helped heal me.  I am not sure what I would have done without it.

Cancer is difficult to endure as an adult. I can only imagine how tough it would be for a child – it’s such a grown-up disease.  It just so happens that several years ago the TODAY Show sent me to a children’s cancer hospital for a series of stories.  I was frozen at the door… did not want to walk inside. I guess I was just afraid to see so much pain. But with one glimpse of the first child I saw there, another feeling washed over me. I was feeling hopeful, almost joyful.

An estimated 10,450 new cases and 1,350 cancer deaths are expected to occur among children (ages 0-14) in 2014. I want to do everything I can to prevent cancer from taking these young lives.  I'm not a doctor.  I'm not a nurse, but I want to do what I can. To lift their spirits and help these kids heal, I’m joining forces with Sara Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper to create a song and concert just for them.  Please hear our song and donate to the American Cancer Society by clicking on the “Donate” or “Fundraise” buttons.  You can also make a donation by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.  When calling, please specify that you’d like to donate to the Shine A Light campaign.  All proceeds will go to grants for pediatric cancer research.  Together, we can help prevent this disease from taking more young lives.