It’s been almost eight years since Jessica Elkins lost her life to meningitis. She would have been 23 on Sept. 23 and her family intends to celebrate her birthday and raise awareness of the disease that took Jessica from them.

The Elkins family is hosting the first Jessica Elkins Meningitis Awareness Birthday Luncheon and Celebration at noon Wednesday at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Party guests can win door prizes and play games to honor the life of the late Athens High School student.

Jessica’s mother Michelle knew the birthday would be special as it would have been her daughter’s 23rd birthday on the 23rd day of the month. That’s called a “golden” birthday Michelle said. Her co-workers at Athens-Limestone Hospital also knew how important the day was to Michelle and helped her plan what they hope becomes an annual event to raise funds and awareness in Jessica’s memory.

“I would love to see it grow like the Pink Elephant does,” Michelle said. “To me, this is just one way we can celebrate her birthday and share her birthday with others.”

Luncheon organizers are planning to pack a lot into a one-hour luncheon. Of course there will be food, but there will also be fellowship, laughter and raising money to save lives through a free meningitis vaccine clinic sponsored by the Jessica Elkins Foundation.

“I’m trying to make this a happy event,” Michelle said.

Mayor Ronnie Marks also proclaimed Sept. 23 as Meningitis Awareness Day and will be at the party to offer the benediction.

For more information, contact the Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation at 256-233-9236. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Foundation office, located at 100 Sanders St., or the Athens-Limestone Hospital gift shop, located inside the hospital.