On December 3rd, I'm turning 19... getting older, right?

At first, this seemed surreal, even daunting.

But then I found out that millions of people don't live to see their fifth birthdays. And why? Because they don't have access to clean, safe water.

So I'm not scared of turning 19 anymore. In fact, I'm celebrating my birthday like never before.

Instead of buying me gifts this year, I would like you to donate instead -- and every penny of the money raised will go directly to fund clean water projects in developing nations.

Just 20 dollars saves a life from dirty water. So for my 19th birthday this year, my goal is to raise $600 by my birthday, December 3rd, 2011.

Please join me to make this birthday count, and don't forget to leave your name so I can thank you later!