Pitbull sends plane to Puerto Rico to rescue cancer patients

Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Pitbull helped rescue cancer patients in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico this week by sending his private plane to the island.

The 36-year-old singer, born Armando Christian Perez, said he was happy to fly several people back to the U.S. so they could receive treatment.

"Thank God we're blessed to help. Just doing my part," he said in a statement to the New York Daily News.

Puerto Rico Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez thanked Pitbull, who is of Cuban heritage, for his help in a tweet Tuesday.

"Thank you @pitbull for lending your private plane to move cancer patients from PR to USA to that they can get chemo," she wrote in Spanish.

Hurricane Maria reached Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, leaving 24 dead and most of the island without electricity, following the devastation of Hurricane Irma two weeks previous. Singers Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin are among the other stars who have supported relief efforts.

"The devastation is beyond belief," Lopez said in an Instagram video last week. "What's foremost on my mind and my others is trying to figure out the best way to help."

"Today Puerto Rico needs our help. I urge you support and donate to the efforts of the First Lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló," she encouraged fans. "Together we can help rebuild our island and the Caribbean."