Actress-singer Selena Gomez has been named the first ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which seeks to enhance the quality of life for seriously ill and injured children.

The announcement was made during Seacrest's radio program on April 20. Gomez, 19, expressed genuine excitement to be able to assist the organization with its work around the country.

"The Ryan Seacrest Foundation does such incredible work and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. I'm particularly excited about helping to launch a media center in my hometown of Dallas at the Children's Medical Center and giving back to the kids there," said Gomez.

Part of the focus of the Seacrest Foundation is to get kids involved in radio and television production by building studios within hospitals. At The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the charity recently launched "The Voice," a state-of-the-art broadcast center that allows kids act "like a DJ and play their favorite songs to watching live artists perform and interviewing celebrities."

According to a release, Gomez will visit new locations featuring "The Voice" and provide inspiration to sick children. Even in an unofficial capacity, she's already made an impact. Back in December, acting on a tip from Seacrest, she visited Hana Hwang — a 13-year-old suffering from an extremely rare genetic condition.

In a heartwarming video that was viewed by millions, Hwang is seen making bracelets for Gomez and thanking her for her incredible visit.

“Selena, no matter what you go through in your life, if you have love and family, you’re already a superstar," Hwang's family said in a statement. "Never forget that you have made a difference to us and to the world.”

Such an impact is one of the many reasons Seacrest chose Gomez as his foundation's first celebrity ambassador.

"From the beginning, I could tell that Selena really understood our mission," he said. "I'm so grateful that she's decided to take on this larger role with us, joining our efforts to bring hope and spirit to seriously ill and injured kids."

"With her as ambassador, we will continue to expand our programs at children's hospitals throughout the country," added Seacrest.

Mother Nature Network