In this picture I am using a pump at the NYC offices of charity: water, much like the ones they install in communities where people haven't had access to clean water. I am lucky that I got to meet their founder/leader Scott, and see first-hand how amazing their work is, and how it dramatically improves people's lives for the better.

When my mom told me about this group and that they invite people to "give up" their birthdays (and all the presents that come with them) to support clean water for other kids around the world, I said right away I wanted to do that.

And as I turn 10, I can't think of a better time.

Many of us have no idea what it's like to be thirsty. We have plenty of water to drink -- it's all around us!

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. In some cases parents cannot work or care for their children because they spend so much time traveling to get clean water. But it 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.

Please donate to my campaign -- anything you can give is a huge help.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

Thank you for helping me celebrate my entry into double-digits in this very meaningful way!

Love, Mason #mason@10