Kelly Ripa Joins Fight Against Cancer

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Kelly Ripa talks to Access about her fight against cancer
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Kelly Ripa is named the new spokesperson for Electrolux kitchen appliances in NY
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Kelly Ripa and hubby Mark Consuelos at the Angel Ball in NY
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regis philbin and kelly ripa

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FIRST PUBLISHED: September 4, 2008 7:52 PM EDT
LAST UPDATED: September 4, 2008 8:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK, New York --

While she may not be running for vice president, Kelly Ripa also has a whirlwind schedule – juggling her hosting job on “Live With Regis & Kelly” with charity work and caring for her three children.

But when Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush made the comparison, the humble Kelly downplayed her similarities to V.P. hopeful Sarah Palin.

“It’s so funny, for me I work two hours a day and I think it’s really lovely that everyone talks about how hard I work,” she said. “I feel like I can’t compare us at all because obviously being vice president of the U.S. is a much more involved job!”

But she’s made time for a new role as spokesperson for Electrolux washers and dryers, some proceeds from the sales of which will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

Unfortunately, Kelly learned about the disease the hard way.

“I didn’t know a lot about ovarian cancer,” she said. “I educated myself and my education came earlier than I would have liked when a friend of mine was diagnosed.”

Sadly, Kelly’s friend lost her fight. But her passing served as Kelly’s inspiration to make sure women are better educated on early detection. It’s why she admires fellow celebrity Christina Applegate, who, last month, publicly revealed her battle with breast cancer.

“This woman went ahead and had a double mastectomy, how did you react to that?” Kelly asked. “She is someone to me who is so courageous and so selfless because not only did she put her story out there — for people like me, I look at her and she’s younger than I am and it reminds me I have to go to my doctor. I have to schedule my mammogram.”

Kelly’s also raising funds with Kelly Confidential, an online advice destination for women. And speaking of confidential, Kelly got personal on her husband, actor Mark Conseulos – now an ordained minister, he’s marrying good friend Howard Stern to fiancee Beth Ostrosky.

“All I said to Mark is this – if I’m not your plus one at this wedding, I swear to God I will never speak to you again,” she laughed.

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