Kellie Pickler has raised a lot of money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer over the years. On top of her involvement with several fundraisers and events, like the special "Opry Goes Pink" show, the singer-songwriter went so far as to shave her head last year, in support of her best friend, Summer Holt Miller, who is battling the devastating disease.

When The Boot caught up with the singer-songwriter in between "Dancing With the Stars" rehearsals, she was happy to report that Summer is doing much better. "She's finished with the harsh chemo, and she's doing a milder type of chemo for a couple of months," Kellie told us. "Then, hopefully we'll be able to put all of this behind us and go on a vacation somewhere. I want to take her to a beach and just sit in the sun and worry about nothing."

Since Kellie made the bold, bald move, she has been approached by people for a lot more than her autograph. The North Carolina native explains that she's become somewhat of a sounding board for breast cancer awareness.

"I didn't realize how many people were affected by cancer," she reflects. "Everyone is affected, whether it's themselves, a friend, family or loved one who is battling it. It's unbelievable. And it's unbelievable how comfortable people are with telling me their stories, their testimonies about how they've overcome cancer or have a loved one going through it."

Those same people -- even total strangers -- are the ones helping Kellie champion Summer's recovery. "It's been overwhelming, the support of Summer. People all over the world are praying for her, and I know their prayers are being answered because she's doing great."

Summer, who's been friends with Kellie since childhood, was just 36 years old when she received her diagnosis. Click here to learn how you can help in the fight against breast cancer.



Watch a Video on Kellie and Summer's Friendship

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