Growing up in Ethiopia before I was adopted, my family and I drank dirty water. Tragically, I lost my little brother due to the water we were drinking. Talking to my adoptive parents about my brother made me want to do something to help make a change to the dirty water crisis. Charity:Water gave me that opportunity and that voice.

Last year I had the chance to go back to Ethiopia where I was born. While I was there, I had the opportunity to see my beautiful country and get back to my roots. I was able to visit my family and see that they now have access to clean water, versus when I lived there. The photo below is a picture of me visiting my home village and getting to see the clean water from the local well. When I was little in Ethiopia, there were few water sources, so we were forced to collect dirty water. The community showing me the well and getting to pump the water was a powerful reminder of how clean water can change people's lives. It felt so rewarding to see everyone come together and take such pride in their clean water source.

Now that I've experienced the power of clean water in person, I want to invite you to join me in bringing clean water to even more people for my 20th birthday. I've been fundraising for clean water since I was 5 years old, and partnering with Charity:Water allows you to see exactly where your donation goes. 100% of your donation goes straight to the water project. Any amount makes a difference - large or small. Thank you so much for helping end the dirty water crisis along with me and Charity:Wateri!