Well...lucky me to be blessed with yet another birth-year to celebrate. For many of you who know me well, on my even-birth-years, I ask that we think outside the box and kick the year off through charitable donation.

As a public health professional, I am often confronted with the need for improved communication on proper health and nutrition in the United States. Even with so many tools available to us, the need for safety net programs and innovative public health initiatives has never been greater. This need is exacerbated in other countries, where terms like "government-sponsored care" and "public health" are as foreign and limited as the resources needed to bring them to fruition.

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.

It's 2016. And I believe this is the year for big things for all of us. If you believe 2016 is going to be the same way for you as I KNOW it to be, please donate $32 ('16 x 2). $32 to celebrate my birthday AND make a difference in a place in need. Do something different. Be impressionable.

I know times may be tough for some of us, so my ask for those of us in this position is to donate $16 ('16 x 1). $16 if things may be rough for you, but you love me, and/or you love people, and/or you just love helping others but; you also believe that this year is the year for things to turn around for YOU. $16 to contribute to something different in honor of something great.

In short, thank you for taking the time to read this message. If you cannot donate, I thank you for your time. For your awareness and attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,
RG3