I tend to view my birthday the way most people view New Year's Eve and January 1st - a time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the year ahead. Through all the challenges, changes, and celebrations, I'm grateful to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, good food to eat, and access to clean, safe drinking water.

Millions of kids around the world don't live to see their fifth birthday because they don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. We can help change that.

For my birthday, I'm asking everyone I know to help me reach my goal of $1,000 towards charity: water. Every penny of the money raised will directly fund clean water projects in developing countries. Even better, charity: water will show us exactly which projects we funded once they've been fully completed (which takes about 18 months). That means we'll know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

Help me reach my goal. Please give what you can - whether it's $5 or my age in dollars (that would be $32). Thanks so much for your time and generosity.

P.S. Belated birthday gifts are accepted! ;)