There are 748 million people in the world living without access to clean water. Let's change that!

I've completed another flight around the Sun. During the past year, we've learned that water is likely far more abundant in our solar system than we have ever thought. Mars once had it flowing on its surface. Enceladus likely has a subsurface ocean with temperatures and pressure like that on Earth -- a recipe for life. Thousands of planets beyond our solar system have been discovered and methods for determining if there is water and other life signs in their atmospheres.

Yet, Earth is flowing with water and a billion people on the planet don't have access to clean drinking water? Every day, 1,400 kids die from water-related illnesses before they reach their fifth birthday. I played pin the sword on He-man (which my grandfather graciously drew) for my 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 don't usually ask for presents, but this second consecutive year I've decided to make an exception. I'm asking all my friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it, instead of giving me gifts.

Every dollar you donate to my birthday campaign will be used to build clean water projects in developing countries. Charity: water funds their operating costs separately through a group of private donors, so 100 percent of all public donations will go directly to people in need.

Help me make this birthday my best ever -- donate to my campaign!