By John O’Connell for Family Living

POCATELLO — The decor of Brittany Nysted’s recent 18th birthday party — pink balloons and ribbons and a piñata shaped like a pink purse — was inspired by her father.

He found out last February that he had colon cancer.

In turn, Nysted could think of no better birthday gift than funds to go toward battling cancer. The pink party theme was in line with the official of cancer awareness.

A friend contributed his Pocatello home for Nysted’s cancer-themed party, hosted Jan. 15. Everyone who attended was asked to pay a $2 cover charge to be given to the American cancer Society. Nysted also asked for donations in lieu of gifts. Her mother, for example, pitched in $250 for cancer research. In all, she raised $500.

Everyone who received an invitation to her party was allowed to bring two people. More than 30 people attended the gathering.

“I lost head count. There were people I didn’t even know,” said Nysted, a freshman at Idaho State University going into the nursing program.

Nysted admits the theme was a last-minute decision as the idea came to her in an instant.

“We were just making invitations an thinking of what we could put on their to design them, and I thought of the cancer ribbon, and I thought about donating the money to cancer,” Nysted said.

The party was low-key; guests mostly ate snacks and visited with each other. Nysted said those who attended were impressed by the party concept and reported having a good time.

“I think it’s a good cause, and I like it when people have fun,” she said. “Everybody had fun, too. I got so many texts the next day saying how much fun they had.”

Though the party is over, Nysted has decided to continue the fundraising effort. She continues to solicit “birthday gifts” through Valentine’s Day and invites anybody seeking to help bolster her tally to make checks payable to the American Cancer Society and mail them to 1597 E. Elm St., Pocatello, Idaho, 83201.

“We’re thinking about doing a bake sale, and my friend is talking about starting a fundraiser at Century (High School),” Nysted said.