Health

Kelly Ripa: Christina Applegate Inspired Me

09/04/2008 at 09:45 AM EDT

When it comes to fighting cancer, all women – including celebrities – have got to stick together. That was the message from Kelly Ripa Wednesday, as she hosted an event to kick off Ovarian Cancer Month.

"A friend was diagnosed [with the disease] and I wanted to learn more about early detection," she told PEOPLE at the Electrolux-sponsored fund-raiser. "It's my mission to get the word out."

Ripa also took the opportunity to praise Christina Applegate, who has been public about her battle with breast cancer and recent double mastectomy.

"It takes a lot of courage to come forward and help other women and to get ahead of [the disease] like that," Ripa said of the Samantha Who? star. "It really made me call my doctor to get tested."
– Liz McNeil

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