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Hoda Kotb's 'Truly Brave' music video shines a light on pediatric cancer

TODAY Webby entry for Online Film & Video / Public Service & ActivismWhen TODAY’s Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, music was a vital ally in her battle against fear and depression. She wanted to pass that help along to children battling cancer, so she reached out to music icons of two different generations – Sara Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper – and persuaded them to
Sara Bareilles, Hoda Kotb and Cyndi Lauper.
Sara Bareilles, Hoda Kotb and Cyndi Lauper.Today

TODAY Webby entry for Online Film & Video / Public Service & Activism

When TODAY’s Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, music was a vital ally in her battle against fear and depression. She wanted to pass that help along to children battling cancer, so she reached out to music icons of two different generations – Sara Bareilles and Cyndi Lauper – and persuaded them to combine two of their signature songs (Bareilles’ “Brave” and Lauper’s “True Colors”) into a unique anthem called “Truly Brave.”

Watch the video here:

Flexible Video WidgetAlong with the two singers, Kotb enlisted the help of young patients from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The result was a powerful and touching original music video that Kotb made the centerpiece of her “Shine a Light” campaign to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

Sara Bareilles, Hoda Kotb and Cyndi Lauper.
Sara Bareilles, Hoda Kotb and Cyndi Lauper.Today

Flexible Video WidgetThe results were dramatic. As of this submission, the video has been viewed almost 1.25 million times on YouTube, and more than $450,000 has been raised from thousands of donors, with contributions still coming in. All proceeds go to pediatric cancer research.

Hoda Kotb with a young patient from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Hoda Kotb with a young patient from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.Today

As Lauper herself put it after seeing the video: “How could you say no to those kids?”

Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareilles
Cyndi Lauper and Sara Bareilles combine \"True Colors\" and \"Brave\" into \"Truly Brave.\"Today