VALDOSTA — For the second year, a 9-year-old Valdosta girl has opted for teddy bears — instead of presents — for her birthday.

Elizabeth Pitts, who has battled a brain tumor and complications from it since 2006, will give away the 30 bears she collected at her Nov. 22 party to children hospitalized in South Georgia Medical Center and Smith Northview pediatric wards this month.

“I like to collect these bears because I am helping children in the hospital who might get scared, and hugs always make you happy,” Elizabeth said.

Last year, she collected more than 60 bears which were donated to Macon Children’s Hospital where she spent more than 30 days inpatient.

There was more cause to celebrate this year than just her birthday — she continues to be tumor-free.

“Since her second surgery in July 2007 to remove the rest of her brain tumor, she has done very well,” said her mom, Melanie Pitts.

“She is tumor-free to date ....”

Elizabeth attends occupational/vision therapy each week with occupational therapist Adrienne Broadfoot of Wilson Eye Center, sees neurosurgeon Dr. William Boydston of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta every six months and Dr. Hernan Posas Jr. every three to six months for seizure control. She is under the care of pediatrician Dr. Brian Griner.

“Her entire medical team is wonderful and Godsends in this whole process,” Melanie wrote in Elizabeth’s CaringBridge Web site.

Elizabeth is making A’s and B’s at Pine Grove Elementary where she is in the third grade.

“We have enjoyed an excellent year,” her mom said.

“Benjamin (her daddy) deployed Friday (Nov. 21 to Iraq) with a unit from Moody Air Force Base. He will return in March, but we are OK with this deployment. This is the first time he has deployed out of the country since Elizabeth was diagnosed in 2006. His deployment means that she is well enough for him to leave, so we are OK with his departure. Elizabeth said, ‘This country needs protecting, and it might as well be my daddy.’ Who can fight that logic?”

Elizabeth hopes to get more teddy bears in her collection drive.

“Any teddy bears or small stuffed animals that need homes can be donated to her Hugs for Hope project,” her mom said.

“Small stuffed animals will be donated to the fire, police and ambulance departments to be given to children in times of need.”