Hi Friends!

The time has come: I'm turning 21. I wanted to do something exciting for this landmark of a birthday, so here we are. I want to raise money to contribute to providing fresh water for people somewhere in the world, and I'd like your help.

Since coming to college and studying bioengineering, I've been up close to the exciting future that biotechnology is promising. While learning all this, I also haven't been able to ignore that so many people in the world don't have access to clean water. Over a thousand children die every day from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. It frustrates me that scientists and researchers put so much effort to push the boundaries of science when an unbelievable number of people are drinking dirty water. This is my attempt to do a little about it.

So here's what I propose: join with me and donate $21 to charity:water (or more... I have no objections there). I've set a goal of $630, which will provide clean water to 21 people. Do you see the theme yet? Twenty-one dollars for twenty-one people on my twenty-first birthday.

When the campaign is complete at the end of June, people who donate will get the location of the well that we're contributing towards. This won't be a time where we throw money and hope for the best. We can see this thing through to fruition!

Culture is telling me that this birthday is supposed to be all about drinking, so let's help people drink!