Cancer is a frightening disease. No one needs to read an article to tell them that. Most people know someone who has had to deal with the disease. Many of those know someone who has lost their life to it.

In July, Ariana Grande lost her grandfather.

Earlier this year, Grandpa Grande was diagnosed with malignant cancer. In June, Ariana tweeted that her grandfather had beaten the disease and called him a hero and an inspiration. She couldn’t have been more right.

Fans of Ariana Grande took to Twitter after the elderly hero passed away and shared their condolences and love with the singer. There was a significant outpouring of togetherness inspired by Ariana’s grandfather, a feat that’s not the easiest thing to accomplish.

Ariana posted a series of tweets after her grandfather passed in an attempt to say goodbye and honor him.

if only y’all knew how amazing he was.. my?? hurts so much. It’s beyond broken :'( but I got to hold his hand and watch him find his peace — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 23, 2014

this is the hardest thing imaginable but I’m so grateful that I got to spend this time with him & my family. taking care of him & loving him — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 23, 2014

I love you http://t.co/aLBp5kF59s pic.twitter.com/Z76H6Yvz7D — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 23, 2014

On September 5th, Ariana Grande was given another way to honor her grandfather.

She performed a heartbreaking rendition of her song My Everything live for the benefit, Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Before Ariana Grande’s performance for Stand Up 2 Cancer, she posted to her followers on Twitter that she was “supporting a cause that is near & dear to my heart. Tonight I’m singing for grandps! i miss you.”

Although she’s done a great deal of live performing, many of the songs she’s used on television shows have been of the upbeat variety. Problem and Break Free, for instance, were performed by Ariana Grande this summer on various shows. For Stand Up 2 Cancer, though, she rejected the usual cast of dancers for an orchestra and melodic ballad about losing someone she loves.

I’ve cried enough tears to

see my own reflection in them.

And then it was clear

I can’t deny, I really miss him.

To think that I was wrong.

I guess you don’t know what you got till it’s gone

Ariana Grande dedicated the performance to her grandfather, and proceeded to sing the ballad beautifully.

It’s terrible that Ariana had to lose her grandfather, but the obvious emotion in the song she dedicated to him may very well have inspired a great deal of charity from people watching the event.

Stand Up 2 Cancer benefited from Ariana Grande’s desire to speak out about her significant loss. In the meantime, Grandpa Grande was allowed to inspire the world through his granddaughter one more time.

[ Image courtesy of Rolling Stone ]