Lady Gaga says she is donating $1 million to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey.

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"If it wasn't for NYC: the Lower Eastside, Harlem, the Bronx and Brooklyn, I would not be the woman or artist that I am today," the singer said in a message on her website Wednesday.

"New York is relentless ambition, a drive to succeed, a place where there is a natural pursuit of diversity through compassion," the message said.

"Please accept this gift on behalf of myself, my parents Joe and Cynthia, and my sister Natali; with our deepest gratitude New York for raising us. Thank you for helping me build my spirit. I will now help you rebuild yours."