Hoda Kotb admits breast cancer has changed her for the better.

The TV presenter, who was diagnosed with the cancer 18 years ago, admits it was hard to come to terms to her health condition.

Speaking about life after mastectomy, Kotb told PEOPLE: “I mean, there are people who are going to get breast cancer. I didn’t think I was one.”

She admits: “I mean, I ate apples and ran in Central Park. I was like me? When they called me, they were like, ‘Oh, it’s you.’ I go, ‘It can’t be me. Why would it be me?’ I’ve never done any of the things that would lead to this diagnosis, but yet it came.”

“When it comes to breast cancer, it’s sort of like, get it early, get it out, and try not to be defined by it,” she tells PEOPLE.

“It can shape you, but if it defines you, then you will spend your life feeling a certain way. So it’s like understanding this is part of me, but not all of me. It’s going to change me and I’ll be different now.”

“But what you’ll find is you’re braver, you’re more resilient,” she adds.

Hoda Kotb has always been known for her inspiring resilience, and she’s now sharing a powerful message about her journey with breast cancer. The Today Show co-anchor recently opened up about her battle with the disease, revealing that while breast cancer may be part of her story, it does not define her.

A Personal Journey:

Hoda Kotb’s openness about her breast cancer diagnosis has been a source of strength for many who are facing similar challenges. She was diagnosed in 2007, but her response to the illness has been anything but defined by it. Despite undergoing treatment, including a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Hoda has consistently shown that her identity is much more than her health struggles.

In interviews, Hoda has shared how she refuses to let cancer control her life. Rather than letting it overshadow her or change her outlook, she focuses on her family, her career, and her commitment to spreading positivity.

Not Defined by Cancer:

Rather than dwelling on the illness, Hoda emphasizes that she is not defined by her diagnosis. She said that she wants to be remembered as a person who embraced life, loved her family, and supported others, rather than as someone who fought cancer. She often encourages others to keep perspective and not let an illness define who they are or how they live their lives.

Hoda has also spoken about how cancer didn’t just affect her physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. She says it helped her to reframe what is truly important in life and appreciate every moment with her loved ones.

Raising Awareness:

Through her platform on The Today Show and in interviews, Hoda uses her voice to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage women to prioritize their health. She’s passionate about the importance of early detection and breast exams, often reminding her audience that taking care of themselves is critical. Hoda’s approach to sharing her story has made her a source of inspiration for countless people, particularly those navigating their own cancer journeys.

A Role Model of Strength and Hope:

Hoda’s resilience has only amplified her role as a role model. She shows that it’s possible to face adversity with grace and to live fully, even in the face of illness. She continues to inspire people through her advocacy and through the way she lives her life.

In essence, while breast cancer was a part of her story, it doesn’t define her. Hoda Kotb’s strength, optimism, and focus on the positive aspects of life remind us all that we are so much more than the challenges we face.