Brighten Your Day

College student asks for donations instead of materialistic gifts on her birthdays

November 13, 2012

Alice Hewitt decided for her 24th birthday that she no longer wanted materialistic things. Instead of asking for a hot new gadget like an iPad mini, Hewitt asked for money to support the Brain Tumor Foundation.

Hewitt lost her father when she was just 10 years old to a brain tumor. Now, if she could have anything for her birthday it would be her father back in her life.

"When you're a kid, your birthday is the best thing ever. It just doesn't feel that way anymore. If some one asked you what you really want for your birthday, you'd want your parent back, you'd want your grandfather back," said Hewitt. "I just jumped at the opportunity to do this rather than have material gifts."

Hewitt started an online fundraiser accepting donations of any size to support families who have been impacted by the disease.

According to Hewitt, the idea came from famous actor, Edward Norton. He posted a message on Twitter about sharing your birthday by raising money for a good cause.

If you feel like making a small donation to a great cause, you can visit www.crowdrise.com/AlicesBirthdayFundraiser.

Hewitt's goal is to reach $500 by November 23. Watch the video interview here >