Former American Idol contestant Joanne Borgella has passed away at the age of 32 following a year-long battle with cancer.
The singer-songwriter’s family took to her Facebook page on Saturday to share the tragic news with fans after the star succumbed to Endometrial cancer earlier that morning.
‘With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joanne,’ the post began. ‘At an early age, Joanne made a choice to serve and trust the Lord; and since her diagnosis over a year ago, Joanne made a choice to also be a fighter and share her journey with the world.
‘Her faith, courage and strength were unshaken throughout every obstacle she encountered. Although our family is suffering with this great loss, we find comfort in the closeness Joanne shared with the Lord. We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven.’
Joanne first got a taste of the spotlight when she appeared on Oxygen’s Mo’Nique’s Fat Chance in 2005 under the name Miss F.A.T.
But it wasn’t until she appeared on the seventh season of American Idol in 2008 that she really made a name for herself, making it into the top 12 girls and overall top 24 before being eliminated.
After being diagnosed with cancer in October 2013, she went on to share her story with her fans in video and blog posts, regularly updating her followers on her progress.
She revealed she was suffering from a ‘rare case’ of the illness, which had spread from her uterus to her chest.
In January, she said of her condition: ‘It’s really not about a stage [of disease]. God is with me and I feel his presence every day.
‘I just wanted to share this information with everyone to let them know what I’m going through and I’m going to update everyone every week as much as I can.’
In her last Facebook message on September 23, the star appeared to be in good spirits as she talked about her latest round of radiation treatment, even sharing a photo in which she looked healthy and full of life.
‘Gooooood morning!! We are heading back to radiation for 2 procedures!! God js with us!! I have lots to fill you in on.. The presence of The Lord is here.. Prayers up!!! I love you guys (sic),’ she wrote.
The Borgella and Ramirez families have asked fans to ‘take the time to educate yourselves on Endometrial Cancer and support research efforts’.
