A few years ago, I got really sick and had to be hospitalized. The doctors said it was Salmonella and E. coli—both dangerous bacteria that likely came from contaminated water. We live right on the canals in Fort Lauderdale, and I used to play in and around them all the time. That’s when it hit us: the water that surrounds our neighborhood isn’t just polluted—it’s making people sick. Including me. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about how our canals work and how we can clean them up. One of the most exciting solutions is something called a "Living Seawall" —it’s a special kind of seawall that protects homes from flooding but also helps clean the water and gives marine life a place to thrive. Fort Lauderdale is about to build the biggest one in the country, and I’m proud to say I’m helping raise money to make it happen. My team is called "Panthers on a Cruzade", and it’s made up of students from my school. We're asking people to sponsor a foot (or more!) of this Living Seawall. Every dollar goes toward building something that will protect our city and make our waters healthier for everyone. It’s not just about science—it’s about making sure what happened to me doesn’t happen to other kids. This is personal for me. It’s not just a cool project—it’s a mission. And I’m asking you to be part of it. Join the Panthers on a Cruzade and help us build a better, cleaner future—one foot at a time.