Head out on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, for the 6th annual Leigh Dittman birthday-fundraiser, benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children.

This annual event started when Leigh decided for her 3rd birthday that instead of presents, she wanted to help Shriners Hospitals for Children, where she has been a patient since before she was born. Now 9 years old, Leigh and her family, friends and Shriners family continue the tradition of celebrating her birthday while supporting the hospital system.

The fun begins at 6 p.m. at the India Cultural Center, located at 5511 Lynn Road in Tampa. There will be food, drinks, raffle prizes, and silent and live auctions.

Leigh was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. The condition affects the production of collagen in her bones, resulting in bones that easily fracture or break. Her family was referred to Shriners Hospitals for Children before she was born, and now Leigh considers the hospital her second home and the staff her extended family.

View a video and find out more about this event at http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Tampa/News/news03250903.aspx