(Getty)
Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb took a break from the Today show to hit up the WWE Monday Night RAW. Read on for the facts on why the two are hitting up the WWE, their show together, and how cancer hits home for them both.
1. Gifford and Kotb Are Appearing on the WWE to Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month
ICYMI: @TODAYshow‘s @hotakotb @KathieLGifford & @JoanLunden are coming to #Raw this Monday! http://t.co/0KtLFKNVYk http://t.co/eQENorbZAe
Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb are taking on WWE’s Monday Night RAW tonight in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to Radar:
They are teaming up with WWE to support Susan G. Komen and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Joan Lunden, Today‘s special #PinkPower correspondent for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will also will also sit ringside.
Kotb and Gifford told the WWE:
We’ve been wrestling every day at 10AM in our own ring for the past seven years, and it gets down and dirty. So bring it on!
2. Hoda Kotb Is a Cancer Survivor
(Getty)
The reason that Kotb and Gifford are appearing on the WWE is that Hoda Kotb is herself a breast cancer survivor. In March 2007, Kotb underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for breast cancer. Kotb allowed the Today Show cameras to follow her throughout her cancer battle and document her journey. Since then, Kotb has become an advocate for breast cancer research and awareness. Kotb is currently cancer-free.
3. Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer of the WWE, Welcomes the Two Women
Kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month @WWE with @HulkHogan and @SusanGKomen #CourageConquerCure http://t.co/odK3IbCjia
Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer of the WWE, has extended a warm welcome to Gifford and Kotb in their appearing on the WWE, stating:
WWE is thrilled to have Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and Joan Lunden join Monday Night Raw to help shine a light on the battle against breast cancer. These women continue to be a voice for the millions that are affected by this devastating disease. We are honored to have their support in raising awareness and funds to continue the fight.
Radar Online gives the run-down on all the efforts the WWE is making in raising money for breast cancer research and awareness.
For the month of October, the WWE Superstars and Divas will wear co-branded Komen and WWE apparel for the “Courage Conquer Cure” campaign. WWE will donate 20% of the retail sales price of all co-branded merchandise sold on WWEShop.com and at WWE live events, as well as 5% of all other WWE merchandise sold on WWEShop.com to Komen. And, for the first time, fans will have the option of donating $1, $5 or $10 upon checkout from WWEShop.com with all proceeds benefiting Komen.
4. Joan Lunden Was Recently Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
Joan Lunden will be ringside with Kotb and Gifford as she was recently diagnosed with the disease. Lunden opened up about her diagnosis in June to WFLA:
I went in for a routine mammogram, as I do every year, and for a follow-up ultrasound, which doctors have recommended for me because I have dense fibrous breast tissue. As far as the mammogram was concerned, I was a picture of health, but when I got the ultrasound, I just knew something was wrong because they kept going back to the same place on my chest. Doctors found two tumors in my right breast, both triple negative breast cancer, which means it’s more aggressive and faster growing. From the moment you hear the words ‘You have breast cancer,’ it’s almost like you’re shot out of a cannon. You are just propelled at this meteoric speed straight to a cancer surgeon.
As for some advice when battling the disease, Lunden says to not worry about losing your hair, diet helps prevent cancer, and make sure you have a support system.
5. John Cena Appeared on the Today Show to Coach the Two Women This Morning
Kotb and Gifford are a little bit nervous about appearing on the WWE and are worried about getting booed. John Cena appeared on the Today show this morning to sit down with the two hosts and assure them that booing is actually a sign of respect.