Actress Vanessa Hudgens Named American Cancer Society Global Ambassador; Joins Super Bowl Sweepstakes

News provided by

Jan 07, 2019, 07:00 ET

ATLANTA, Jan. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society (ACS) welcomes a new global ambassador, actress Vanessa Hudgens, who is participating in an exclusive Super Bowl LIII weekend package to raise critical funds to fight cancer.

"We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Hudgens as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society," said Sharon Byers, chief development, marketing, and communications officer for the American Cancer Society. "Like so many of us, Vanessa brings personal experience of how devastating this disease can be, and we are grateful for her support as we continue to attack cancer from every angle."

Hudgens, the ACS, and the National Football League (NFL) will offer the winner of the Super Bowl sweepstakes package an incredible weekend experience. With a minimum $10 contribution to the ACS , one lucky fan (and a guest) will win the Ultimate Super Bowl Weekend, February 1-3, 2019, and sit next to Vanessa Hudgens at the game. The prize includes two tickets to Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, pre-game sideline passes for a once-in-a-lifetime view from the field, a meet-and-greet with the halftime show headliner, two tickets to the NFL Honors award show, and access to the hottest parties including Rolling Stone, DirectTV, and Wheels Up. Round-trip airfare and lodging are included. This package is made possible because of a partnership with the NFL and Fanthropic, a 15 Seconds of Fame Company.

"Cancer has taken the lives of so many people I love," said Hudgens. "It ate away at my father's body for years before he was diagnosed and when he was, it was too late. The same thing happened to my partner's mother. It was a traumatizing time and I'm still dealing with the pain of the loss. I hate cancer and the pain it brings to everyone surrounded by it. I am so proud and excited to help the American Cancer Society do everything possible to fight back against this awful disease. We can all do more to help save lives and support those dealing with cancer."

All proceeds will support the American Cancer Society's Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program, which promotes health equity and addresses cancer-related disparities. CHANGE grants are funded by the NFL's Crucial Catch partnership with ACS. Funds raised address cancer prevention, early detection, and timely access to follow-up care, helping more people catch cancer early, when it may be easier to treat. These efforts have impacted more than 750,000 people, particularly in high-risk communities.

Additionally, participants that complete The Defender Cancer Risk Assessment Tool at thedefender.cancer.org are eligible to contribute and receive double the amount of entries. This free, user-friendly tool provides people with personalized tips to increase their understanding of how healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce their cancer risk.

To win the trip of a lifetime to Super Bowl LIII, fans can enter through Jan. 25, 2019. To enter, visit crucialcatch.nfl.com

Hudgens made her feature film debut in Thirteen and rose to prominence portraying Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical film series. The success of the first film led to Hudgens' acquiring a recording contract with Hollywood Records, with whom she released two studio albums, V and Identified. In addition to High School Musical, Hudgens has also appeared in various films and television series for the Disney Channel. She has appeared in the films Bandslam, Beastly, Sucker Punch, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, Spring Breakers, and Machete Kills. She made her Broadway debut in 2015 in the title role of the musical GIGI. In 2016, Hudgens starred in the Fox TV production of Grease: Live as Rizzio. Hudgens can currently be seen starring alongside Jennifer Lopez in the film SECOND ACT as well as the Netflix original film THE PRINCESS SWITCH. Next, Hudgens will be seen as Maureen in Fox's RENT LIVE! as well as in the Netflix thriller Polar. Hudgens' father lost his battle with throat cancer in January 2016, and she has been active in fighting cancer through her charity work.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the American Cancer Society is attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to cancer.org.

About Crucial Catch
The NFL, its clubs, the NFL Players Association, and the American Cancer Society are committed to the fight against cancer. Crucial Catch expands the impact of the NFL's work around breast cancer to address multiple types of cancer through prevention, early detection, and timely access to follow-up care as needed. Since 2009, the first year of the NFL's Crucial Catch campaign, the league's work has raised more than $18 million for the American Cancer Society. Money raised through Crucial Catch supports the American Society's Community Health Advocates implementing Nationwide Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program, which promotes health equity and addresses cancer-related disparities in high-risk communities. Visit nfl.com/crucialcatch to learn more and get involved.

About Fanthropic, a 15SOF company
15 Seconds of Fame (15SOF), the revolutionary social media app and winner of "Best in Mobile Fan Experience" at the 2018 SBJ Awards, delivers fans their video board and TV broadcast appearances from live events. With its recent acquisition of Fanthropic, 15SOF will forgo taking any fee and donate 100% of the net proceeds to charities and foundations who partner with 15SOF.

SOURCE American Cancer Society