My birthday is almost here. I'm not usually excited about getting older, but this year I'm really thankful to have lived another happy, healthy year. I recently learned that millions of kids around the world don't live to see their fifth birthday because they don't have access to clean, safe drinking water. We can help change that.

Back in 2011, when I turned 18, I went back to my country, the Philippines to have a mini feeding program set-up for the less fortunate kids in Tondo, Manila. My family and friends took the initiative to spend a fun and memorable day with them. Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to do something that can help the minority. I want them to feel that even for a day, despite living in such critical and impoverished condition, we know that they exist and that they don't need to worry because we will be there for them. To help them. To save them.

I'm asking for my age in dollars from everyone I know. 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). That means we'll know the locations and names of the communities we helped.

Help me reach my goal. Please donate to my birthday campaign!

Thanks, x M