QUINCY, ILL. -- It's been a vision of the Relay for Life for many years now, providing funds for cancer research so that more people can experience more birthdays.

A Quincy girl who's experienced cancer in her family decided her birthday should mean more than a celebration for her and her friends. Jasmine Cobb decided that instead of gifts for her 11th birthday, she'd have all of her friends make donations to her Relay for Life team, Dancing for a cure, in Adams County.

They all came together at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy Saturday afternoon. The day was filled with balloons, pizza and dancing. But Cobb was sure to take home more than fun memories from the celebration.

"I have three family members who have survived cancer. I am very, very thankful that they are still here today. I know people who've had some relatives pass away and I don't want that to happen anymore, so I just thought I'd donate," Cobb said.

This isn't the first time Cobb's donated her birthday money to Relay for Life. She also celebrated her 10th birthday the same way, raising more than $950 last year. She hoped to exceed that amount from Saturday's birthday party.