Every day 5,000 kids die of water-related illness before age 5. More kids should be 6. And 7. On to 8, 9, 10, 11...

My 28th birthday is almost here! Every year, Im usually excited and make big plans to celebrate, but this year I'm just really thankful to be ALIVE and in good health. I am lucky. Though, I'm not exempt from trials and tribulations, my life is composed of many simple PLEASURES, close family and friends, and positive experiences I've received ALL MY LIFE and will never forget. There is so much BEAUTY in the world. There is also much STRUGGLE and SUFFERING.

I recently learned that MILLIONS of kids around the world don't live to see their FIFTH birthday because they don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. That means there are millions of DESERVING children out there who will never have even A CHANCE to live their lives. I want to do something about that.

Instead of presents or a party for me this year, I'm asking for a more MEANINGFUL gift. My wish is for my friends and family everywhere to donate UP TO my age in years to my birthday charity fund for clean water! Maybe you'd like to donate the amount of your children's ages combined or the number of years you've known me :) However, whenever, wherever we met, doesn't matter. You can join my CELEBRATION of another year by helping more kids have more BIRTHDAYS!

ALL of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. charity: water will show us exactly which projects the money has funded and the locations and names of the communities we helped.

I hope 28 will be another HEALTHY, FRUITFUL and POSITIVE year and that this is a GOOD start. Join me in gifting more birthdays to other young people around the world and the feeling that their lives matter, too! Please donate to my birthday campaign!