In March 18, 2012, I'm going to run the Los Angeles Marathon. That's a 26.2 miles of sweating, pushing, giving everything I've got. Sounds rough, right? Well, imagine doing all of that without drinking clean water.

Every week, millions of women and their children walk more than 14 miles just to get water for their families. Most of this water is contaminated, but it's the only water they have. They take the chance of contracting deadly diarrheal diseases with every sip. There's nothing they can do to change this.

My mission is simple, to raise $2000 for water projects in developing countries. I want every step to matter. I'm asking for pledges per foot, per mile or flat out donations to help achieve my goal. It's going to require training, determination, endurance, strength and a whole lot of moral support. Honestly, I'm not all that sure I can handle it but I am determined. You can even challenge me for donation to finish the race within time; my goal is a little over 4hrs.

The best part: 100% of everything we raise will go straight to building water projects in the field. Then, when the projects are complete, charity: water will show us just where they are and who they're helping (with GPS coordinates, photos and other details). We'll be able to see the communities we've impacted.

I've never done anything like this before. And I promise to do it without complaining. After all, I'll have fresh water to keep me going. That's more than millions around the world can ask for.

I hope you'll join me in helping now.

Sincerely,
Yoseph Melesse