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 spent most of my career working on multi-million dollar projects designed to ensure clean water, but now I'd like to do something a little more grassroots. In the United States and in Central New York in particular, we are blessed with abundant clean water. Let's help others that may not be so lucky.

Last year, I saw a TED talk given by Charity:Water founder Scott Harrison, and it gave me idea of donating my birthday. Coupled with inspiration from famous strongman Jack Lalane, I came up with the idea of walking 50 miles on the Erie Canal for my 50th birthday. If you're not familiar with the Erie Canal, it is an important historical waterway that permanently changed the economy and people of New York state. I live within walking distance of the Erie Canal and I enjoy walking on the adjacent trailway, but I have never before completed a 50 mile walk. It will be a significant challenge to say the least, but it pales in comparison to having to walk several miles a day to fetch clean water for my family.

Achieving my fundraising goal of $15,000 will also be a challenge, but I believe in the power of big goals. If we can help 500 people get access to clean water, we can change the world for the better. Literally.

Please donate to my campaign -- anything you can give is a huge help. $1 or $10 or $1,000. If you can't donate money, please share the campaign with your network and spread the word. Please and thank you!

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.