Hello everyone! It’s that time of year again. On September 24th, I turn 17. I am so grateful that you’ve contributed to my past birthday campaigns. My birthday wish is very simple: WATER. Last year, the number of people in the world that didn't have clean water was 748 million people. Now, that number has been reduced to 663 million. Each of you made that happen. How amazing is that!!!

2015 was a bittersweet, yet amazing year. Three weeks after my birthday, I found out I was going to begin treatments for my immunodeficiency disorder. I wasn't thrilled about having to get infused every week. But then, I realized that I was able to have an option. While it’s still difficult for me to go through it every week, I visualize millions of children walking for miles to collect dirty water, especially young girls that have to give up their education. So, how dare I complain? While I am sick, I am grateful to have access to clean water. I know that if I was born into the same living conditions as the people I fundraise for, I would be dead. I wouldn’t be able to drink the water there because it’s contaminated, so I, along with 4,100 children, would literally die of thirst. That’s why I feel that the expression “dying of thirst” is inappropriate for us to use as a casual phrase.

I used to feel sorry for myself that I couldn't have a more grandiose campaign like some other fundraisers have where they jump out of a plane or join a polar bear club if their donation campaign goals are met. I can’t feel that way anymore knowing what these children go through on a daily basis. I feel that the most grandiose gesture I made in this world so far was being born two months early and being a September baby. If you are born in September, charity: water makes your campaign 90 days and all donations are doubled! I dream of the day when children can carry backpacks full of books instead of jerrycans filled with contaminated water. I learned at my age of sixteen that my life isn’t only about me, but also the people across the globe who need our help.

I pledge to the 663 million people that they are NOT alone, because every person and soul matters. For my campaign this year, I ask you to donate any multiple of 17. Whether it is $17 or $170 or whatever amount you can give, please know that 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). This means that we will know the locations and names of the communities we helped. Help me reach my goal. Please donate to my birthday campaign! Together, we can change the lives of 663 million people on the planet that need our help.

Love and Prayers,
Adriana Mancini

“One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody.”
-Blessed Mother Teresa