My mother always taught me to give back. Having the gift of traveling parts of our great world makes you realize how lucky we are to have even the most basic of needs.

On November 19, I'm turning 40. Thinking about this birthday initially seemed surreal, even daunting.

But then I found out that millions of people don't live to see their fifth birthdays. And why? Because they don't have access to clean, safe water.

So I'm not nervous about turning 40 anymore. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday like never before.

I don't need for anything and don't want any gifts. Those of you who know me well recognize that I live every day knowing how fortunate I am. I'm asking for $40 or $400 (or some form of 40) from everyone I know -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations. 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 be able to see the communities we've helped!

My goal is to raise $5000 between now and the end of 2012.

Please join me to make this birthday count. Will you join me?

Rachel