I love this time of year - the beautiful lights, the festive music and the tastes and aromas of the holiday season. I also appreciate the perspective gained during the holidays as we reflect on our past and plan for our future. As you know, I was privileged to face my own mortality this year, so this year holds a lot more meaning for me. As I sit here contemplating the many God-given blessings I have - a roof over my head, food on the table, more clothing than I need and fresh cool water. Yes, I said I am thankful for water; something I've taken for granted thousands of times. Many of us have no idea what it's like to be thirsty. We have plenty of water to drink -- even the water in our toilets is clean!

But many people around the world don’t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. 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 started this fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of projects around the world, and I'm looking for anyone who can help me.

Please donate to my campaign -- anything you can give is a huge help - whether $1, $5, $20 or even $49 in honor of my 49th birthday! Of course you are welcome to give even more.

100% of the money 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.

I am celebrating my 49th birthday January 17th. I know many of my friends and family will buy me gifts either for Christmas or my birthday, and although I appreciate the thought and knowing you care, I really do not need anything. If you are one of those friends/family members, please consider donating to my charity:water campaign instead. Knowing that I helped change someone's life will mean more to me than any other gift you could give me!

Merry Christmas & Happy 2018!