"Be The Change You Wish To See In The World"

I don't have many memories of my days in 3rd grade class, the ones I do have were spent with vomiting, diarrhea, and flu like symptoms. The doctors would tell my mom over and over that I just had the flu. After loosing significant weight with no signs of my health improving, I was hospitalized. I had test after test, with no diagnose. The doctors even told my mom that they didn't think I would survive much longer. A miracle happened and a new Doctor tested me for a rare water illness in America. I tested positive and all of this had occurred because I had drank contaminated well water. I was lucky that I had American Doctors and health care facilities equipped with all the medication I would need to get back to dancing and singing my favorite New Kids On The Block songs. I've been Hangin' Tough ever since!

Now in my 30's, after spending much time in India, working in the slums, witnessing first hand the effects of the simple things that we as Americans take for granted, such as clean water, toilets, health care, and education, it's time to keep giving back.

I have decided to join charity:water on the mission to help others achieve clean water in India.

This is the time of year I normally would be booking my flight back to India, getting my Visa, and preparing to leave my family and friends for a long period of time. Since, I won't be able to travel back to India this year, I would like you to help me continue the change in India from thousands of miles away this Christmas season.

I hope to raise $5,000.00USD by Christmas for charity:water.

Christmas is a time for family, celebration and love.

It’s also a time when America spends around $500 billion on Christmas gifts. That's more than $600 per person. This Christmas, I'm taking a step back -- I want to give more than gifts that fit in boxes.

I want to give people life.

800 million people are living without clean drinking water on our planet. Some walk miles every day to get to the nearest source: a stagnant, parasite-infested stream or pond.

My mission is to give clean water for Christmas this year. 100% of every dollar I raise will go directly to water projects. And when the projects are complete, charity: water will show us GPS coordinates, photos and other details about the communities we've helped. Please join me by donating.

Love Always, Issy