Young Newtown resident Bridget Wittig decided to celebrate her 11th birthday in an especially meaningful way by hosting a kickball party to crush pancreatic cancer, writes Jeff Werner for the Patch.

Bridget recruited The Elevenses, her kickball team, and organized a Kickin’ For A Cause party. Instead of gifts, she asked all the guests to donate to A Love For Life, a Newtown nonprofit dedicated to raising money to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

“My Poppop died of pancreatic cancer before I was born,” said Bridget. “I’m sad I never met him. My Aunt Jacci also got pancreatic cancer but she beat it. I want to raise money to find cures so other families don’t lose loved ones to pancreatic cancer like my family did.”

She also said that she would rather “have cures for cancer than more toys or clothes.”

Bridget’s mom, Danielle, is proud that her daughter decided to turn her birthday party into a pancreatic cancer fundraiser.

“She has always cared about helping others, even from a very young age,” said her mother. “Her big heart and selfless spirit have always inspired me.”

Read more about the young Newtown resident’s fun philanthropic effort in the Patch.

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