My birthday is almost here. I'm not usually interested in celebrating my birthday and instead prefer to celebrate achievements.

This year, I'm asking for donations to raise my age in dollars (because that's the currency this site uses). 100% of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

Did you know that almost a billion people on the planet don’t have access to clean drinking water? Every day, 5,000 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. But it doesn't have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

I have more than enough things in my life. I don't need more. I need to make a difference. Please help me. $20 gives one person clean drinking water for a year. $2,800 would provide clean water to 140 people.

Imagine being able to potentially save 140 lives. That's something worth celebrating!

It would be the best birthday present I have ever received. It would make me cry with joy.