If you’re one of the many who adore the stunning Vanessa Hudgens, you may have observed the “High School Musical”star’s cheerful attitude towards the press and even to her fans on social media. As such, people were shocked to learn that the 26 year-old actress have been going through a crisis when she revealed at the Industry Dance Awards & Cancer Benefit Show that her father, Greg Hudgens, has been diagnosed with stage four cancer some weeks ago.

Vanessa who was awarded the “Breakthrough Artist” in the recently concluded “Industry Dance Awards & Cancer Benefit Show” in Hollywood said in her speech that cancer patients have earned a special place in her heart since Lori, the mother of her boyfriend Austin Butler, died last year of the disease and most especially now that her own father is fighting his own battle with the illness, E! News reported.

"Let me tell you, I hate cancer. I hate cancer with every cell of my being”, the “Gigi” star said during her acceptance speech. She dedicated her award to her dad and her boyfriend’s deceased mother.

According to Daily Mail, Hudgens posted an instagram picture of her with her father online a few weeks ago asking fans to pray for her sick dad. However, fans never assumed that the singer has been going through so much because of the strong front she has been showing.

In an interview during the show, the actress said that she has been getting strength from 24 year-old boyfriend Butler who also accompanied her in the awards show. The Inquistr said that the show benefits a charity that supports cancer patients, “The Circle of Hope”.

Meanwhile, the media has noted that the actress herself has not yet totally healed her broken finger from an incident in London last month. Nonetheless, she was still able to show up in the event last Wednesday, rocking her sultry look with a yellow dress and her equally dashing boyfriend by her side.