Vanessa Hudgens Reveals Father Has Stage 4 Cancer; 'Please Pray for His Healing'
Hollywood actress Vanessa Hudgens revealed earlier this week that her father is battling stage four cancer and she also asked her fans to pray for his healing.
On Wednesday, Hudgens, a Christian, accepted an award for Breakthrough Performer at the 2015 Industry Dance Awards and cancer benefit in Los Angeles, which is an event that benefits Circle of Hope Dancers Foundation. During her acceptance speech, the 26-year-old former Disney star bravely shared her family's heartbreaking ordeal.
"Last year, my boyfriend, Austin, lost his mom, Lori, to cancer, and my dad has just been recently diagnosed with stage four cancer," Hudgens told the crowd, People.com reported. "Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being."
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She added: "This award, it means a lot to me but I dedicate it to my boyfriend's mom, Lori, my dad, and to all the families out there who are struggling with this because it really takes a strong person and a strong family to be able to help those out who are going through this."
It is unclear what form of cancer Hudgens' father, Gregory, is battling, though she recently asked fans to pray for her family as they come to grips with his devastating diagnosis.
"My daddy and I," Hudgens wrote via Instagram alongside a touching photo of her and her father. "Please pray for his healing!!! The more prayers the better."
The Broadway star, who was born a Catholic, is said to be leaning on her faith during this difficult time. She previously credited Butler, who she has been dating since 2011, for reviving her Christian faith while also praising Australian megachurch Hillsong for it's unique approach to worship.
"It feels like Arcade Fire — it's epic like that," Hudgens previously told The New York Times regarding the church's acclaimed worship band Hillsong United. "They really focus on you having your own personal relationship with Jesus, which is wonderful."
Hillsong is renowned for its lively, concert-like worship services, and an estimated 50 million people sing their songs every Sunday. The church, which is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, has locations around the world with more than 100,000 weekly attendees, including thriving congregations in New York and Los Angeles.
In the past, Hudgens has also been photographed attending church services at the Fifth Church of Christ Scientist in Hollywood with Butler.
