In October 2011, Giuliana Rancic revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer — and today, while fortunately in remission, she is still a huge advocate for finding a cure for the disease. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, the E! star opened up about her recent experience hosting the Pink Agenda Gala alongside her husband, Bill Rancic, earlier this month in NYC.

“At the end of the day, the thing we truly love the most that brings us the most joy is giving back, and we started this initiative around five years ago, around the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and so I teamed up with the Pink Agenda two years ago and together, we raise a lot of money for wishes to give deserving women wishes,” she explained as she teamed up with the NFL to show fans how they can bring the rituals and traditions of a tailgate to the comfort of their homes with the NFL Homegating collection.

“Women who have been through breast cancer treatment as well as well as donating money for research. The Pink Agenda gala — I think we had a record number that night — Bill led the live auction, he’s so good at it and so passionate — and we had a record-breaking night. Like I said, nothing brings me joy like knowing that we were able to raise so much money for women and of course, breast cancer research. Hopefully, we can find a cure soon.”

The mother-of-one also explained that if you have a loved one battling breast cancer, it’s important to “not ask, tell.” What does she mean by this? “Don’t say, ‘Do you want me to drive you to treatment?’ or ‘Do you want me to drop off dinner?’ Just do it,” she explained. “Say, ‘I’m going to pick you up tomorrow and drive you to treatment,’ or, ‘I’m going to drop off dinner tonight. Even if you’re not home, I’ll leave it on the doorstep.’ Or bring magazines — don’t say, ‘Do you want magazines?’ Just bring the magazines so they have something to pass the time while they’re doing treatment. Those are a few things that would be helpful.”

Giuliana, who is also the founder of Giuliana Prosecco, shared she was able to get through her experience by reminding herself that “this too shall pass.” She recalled, “It was hard. There were moments when I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, how am I going to get through this day?’ And I would just kind of close my eyes and take a deep breath and say, ‘This too shall pass.’ And I would exhale, and it does pass. Whatever you’re going through, it will pass. I’ve heard from other women that really helped them, whether they’re at an appointment or going through treatment, that those words have comforted a lot of women as well.”

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