Newtown Teen Organizing Kickball Party To Crush Pancreatic Cancer

NEWTOWN, PA — Newtown's Bridget Wittig will celebrate her 14th birthday in a BIG way on Sunday by hosting a kickball party to crush pancreatic cancer.

Bridget has again recruited friends, family and teammates for her 'Kickin' For A Cause' birthday party and is asking everyone to donate to "A Love For Life" instead of bringing birthday gifts.

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"I'd rather have cures for cancer than more toys or clothes," said Bridget, who has organized the party with a purpose for the past four years in memory of her PopPop and uncle who died from the disease and in honor of her aunt, who is a rare survivor of the disease.

"My PopPop Wittig died before I was born so I never got to meet him," said Bridget. "My favorite memory of my Uncle Paul is going to his church for Christmas Eve Mass every year. And my Aunt Jacki, who I love so much, is proof this disease doesn't always win," she said. "I love doing this in their honor and want to continue for every birthday, even when I am an adult."

Proceeds from her fundraiser will benefit A Love For Life, a Newtown-based nonprofit that raises funds to support pancreatic cancer research at Penn Medicine. For more information and to donate to Bridget's birthday cause, click here.

Eileen Wittig, can't say enough about her granddaughter.

"Her selflessness and dedication to fundraising for cancer is incredibly inspiring. She isn't just celebrating another year of her life, she is actively making the world a better, kinder, and more inspiring place. This is a testament to her character, empathy, and maturity. I am so proud of her."

Bridget Witting with A Love For Life founder, Christine Edmonds.

Her mother, Danielle, adds, "We're so grateful for our tribe, the friends and family who keep showing up for her year after year. This is her thing, but they are the ones who make it feel like more than just a birthday. We love how into the game everyone is and how it just keeps growing."

Family friend Megan Vigrass said it makes sense that Bridget wants donations to go toward A Love for Life instead of getting gifts. "She is selfless, generous and caring …. Everything any parent would hope their child would be."

Adds Kathleen McCafferty, another family friend, "Bridget is turning a fun day of kickball into an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Her kindness, generosity, and desire to help others will make her special day even more meaningful. No one is surprised by this from such an amazing young lady that I am so proud to know."

And Gabriel Fausel said, "Bridget is such a special young lady. Her selflessness and dedication to helping others should be an inspiration to us all. What a fun and creative way to celebrate her birthday while supporting a cause that is so near and dear to her and her family. Saying that I am proud of this girl is an understatement!"