This December 20th marks my 28th year of life.... As a reflective person, I’ve been thinking about how very blessed I have been over this past year.

I have been exceptionally blessed by the people in my life - family & friends - - all around the world. 

As I have been asked what I “want” for my birthday this year, I have again and again come back to “help someone[s]”. 

So, this year I have chosen to ask those who would normally give me a birthday gift (even if only it’s the $3 that you would normally spend on a card) to instead take that money and give it to an organization that is changing people’s lives every day.

The Sophumelela Centre serves those in East London, South Africa who are infected & affected by the HIV/AIDS Pandemic. 

Since AIDS was first recognized in 1981, it has led to the deaths of more than 25 million people, making it one of the most destructive diseases in recorded history. As of 2009, it is estimated that there are 33.3 million people worldwide living with HIV/AIDS, with 2.6 million new HIV infections per year and 1.8 million annual deaths due to AIDS.

The Sophumelela Centre is addressing this heartbreaking issue by providing education, support & health care for those in their community (primarily the Xhosa people group).  The funds donated this year for my birthday will go to providing Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to those who their clinic care for.

I have setup a fund through the Themba foundation which they will funnel 100% directly into the Sophumelela Centre.

Additionally, there has been a private donor who has approached me and said they will match dollar-for-dollar the amount raised by myself & my family/friends.  So, give generously!!!  :-)