Losing my mother at such an early age is the scar of my soul. But I feel like it ultimately made me into the person I am today; I understand the journey of life. I had to go through what I did to be here.

Italian culture is so deeply soaked in an appreciation of the good things in life.

Your body is not who you are. I don't think women should label themselves based on the way they look. What about defining yourself by a different kind of measurement? What about your heart, your soul, your compassion, your generosity, your strength and your power? There are so many other things to focus on besides your waistline.

There's so much that you can get mad about. Out of self-preservation, I focus on being grateful.

I am proud to be a role model for my viewers. I am finding out that helping victims is as or more rewarding the all the awards I win.

Sometimes things in life happen that allow us to understand our priorities very clearly. Ultimately you can see those as gifts.

I was lucky enough to have a father who said, 'Don't quit.' So I just kept going.