I turn 22 this year, and the world has always been an uncertain place, but if you're like me, you've become more aware of it in the last two years - maybe the world is genuinely shaking, or maybe I've just gained a greater awareness of the political upheaval, social unrest, and human suffering that's always been there.

Either way, I've felt a kind of helplessness in the midst of it, so I figured that if I wanted to do something about the suffering in this world, it wouldn't hurt to start with the basics. Like water.

I've never been thirsty. I've never had to walk miles and miles to get water for my family. I've never had confront the reality that my only water source is so dirty that the probability that I may die of water-related disease is higher than the probability of me reaching the age of 22. Chances are, if you're reading this, you have plenty of water to drink - even the water in your toilet is clean!

Lots of people don’t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

So, this year for my birthday, I would so love if, instead of gifts or a celebration, you would please donate to charity: water. 100% of the money (even CC fees!) will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

If we haven't spoken in years, or if I see you every day, know that I am so grateful for your presence in my life, and any amount you're willing to give is deeply appreciated. Spread some H2O love - thank you so much for partnering with me in this!