Yesterday (Nov 30), I underwent a four hour surgery to remove a somewhat large tumor from just above my left kidney. My tumor formed as the result of a genetic condition I was born with—VHL. However, each year, thousands of children develop benign tumors just like mine because they do not have access to clean water. The difference? Their tumors are preventable.

Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. But we can stop that. Simple solutions—like drilled wells, spring protections, and BioSand filters—exist to provide clean water to communities across the globe. I started this fundraising campaign to help Charity: water build these types of projects around the world.

If you can, please consider donating $5. Anything you can give is a huge help.

100% of the money you donate 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.

It is in times like these that I am humbly reminded of my privilege. Thank you so much to my doctors and nurses at Stanford for their endless support and to everyone for their well wishes. Donating to this campaign would truly mean the most to me!

Sending love,
Stephanie