It is with sadness and a heavy heart, mixed with much optimism and possibility, that I launch this campaign and request the help of those who are able to contribute. My older brother Billy and I have more or less shared birthdays for the last 40 years, given that his birthday is March 13th and my Birthday is March 18th. My family and I visited Boston over Thanksgiving this year and spent a bunch of time catching up with Billy - we don’t see each other very often, given that we live on opposite coasts. One of the conversations that we had was about charity: water. Being the inquisitive type, Billy asked me about my charity: water bracelet. I told him about Scott, the team and the organization, why I think that charity: water is an important cause and my involvement as a Well member for the last several months. Billy thought it was a beautiful organization and told me that he was proud of my involvement.

You see; Billy was an incredibly thoughtful and generous guy, always putting the needs of his family and others before his own. A married father of 4, his wife and 4 beautiful girls have always been his priority and his passion. He was selfless.

Sadly, we lost Billy last week in a tragic accident. Through this tragedy, I would like to create a campaign in Billy’s memorial and for our joint birthdays. On March 18th I will turn 44 and Billy would have been 49. Given the conversation that he and I had about charity: water and his generous desire to place the needs of others ahead of his own, I know that this would honor him in an extraordinary way.

Now, for the optimism – every dollar that you give will go toward saving lives. It’s that simple, for every $20 donated, 1 person will receive clean water for 20 years and many lives will be saved. Many will be given possibility and optimism that is the direct result of your contribution. I know that Billy will witness your generosity and, with his sparkling eyes that exude optimism and possibility, smile from the heavens above. With the deepest sadness I’ve ever suffered, I lost a dear brother last week. You can help me remember his generosity forever.

If you can give, please do. If you cannot, I understand and he would have also understood. Please take one action, though, and tell your loved ones how you feel about them because life is fragile and there is no guarantee that they’ll be around for you to tell them tomorrow. I’m so glad that Billy knew how I felt about him.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Mike and my big brother Billy

Thanks you all so much for your generous donations! I realllly appreciate them, and you.