“You have a whole lot of Save-The-World in you. But it’s ok if you only save one person. And it’s ok if that one person is yourself.”

When I was a junior in high school, I traveled to meet the Shipibo people, who live in Peru on the Amazon river. I met a little girl named Cali, who became my friend. And then I left her just a week later, with my big straw hat to wear and no source for clean water to drink. I will always think of her.

Many of us have no idea what it's like to be truly thirsty. We’ve never had to walk more than thirty feet to clean, safe water.

But many people around the world don’t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. The world 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.

I started this fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of projects around the world because, like you, I’m filled with a good measure of save-the-world. If you’re reading this, I’m confident, so are you.

If you do not have the ability to give—if you are not sure you are in a good place to give—that’s ok. Thank you for reading and sharing and offering your support in another way!

However, $30 (approximately, based on charity: water’s results) gives one person clean water for life.

Anything you can give is a huge help, and 100% of the money you donate will be used to build clean water projects. When they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped!! Always my favorite part!

And moreover, if you are hurting, in a time of need, or feeling close to crisis, while you may hurt for the whole world and be interested in making an important impact, start by taking care of yourself. You matter. You are valued. You are loved.