Dear NRDC Supporter,

My name is Madeline, and on most Sunday mornings you can find me — along with a handful of other whale diehards — enjoying the ocean breeze, binoculars in hand, eyes peeled in anticipation for that special, mesmerizing moment. And then it happens.

First, a spout, then a massive, dark back emerges followed by a majestic tail trimmed in white. The collective intake of breath, and a resounding "oh!" as a smaller back and tail appear. For a few minutes, before the whales leave to continue on their journey, we are in the presence of greatness, and the peace and awe that take over my body is nearly overwhelming.

Like a lot of people (and probably you), I have a deep respect for whales of all kinds. So with all of the threats they're currently facing, it's not enough for me to watch and appreciate them. Saving them from extinction requires action. It requires paying attention. Donating. And believing that our actions and contributions can make a difference.

In fact, that's why I'm writing this letter to you today — I'm asking you to hope and to do your part with me by making a donation of just $5 to NRDC.

NRDC is taking action and pulling out all the stops to protect whales from ear-deafening seismic blasting, bludgeoning by speeding vessels, and mutilation by fishing gear. And if 1,000 people — people like you who share my deep respect for whales — make a donation before September 30, it will unlock $50,000 for NRDC to do this important work. Will you be one of those critical donors they need?

When I see images of North Atlantic right whales entangled in fishing gear and being struck and injured by vessels, my heart sinks. Of course, I know the terrible reality of whales' existence these days. And I know that right whales in particular are among the most endangered whales on the planet. There are only about 340 left. 340! Can you even imagine this?

But seeing what that looks like, knowing the desperate struggle they are in to survive... well, it lets me know that I have to do more. That WE have to do more. Will you join me in getting NRDC to their 1,000 donor goal by making a contribution of just $5 right now? I hope so.

The truth is, there are solutions that could save the North Atlantic right whale — and many other whale species — around the world: ropeless fishing systems, which virtually eliminate the risk of entanglement while helping fishermen maintain their livelihoods, a safer 10-knot speed limit for all vessels would significantly reduce lethal strikes, and an end to oil companies' seismic blasting. NRDC and other dedicated activists and scientists are working on making these solutions a reality, but they can't do it without us.

If endangered whales are going to avoid extinction, we must take immediate action. Right now. Today.

I sometimes think that the very existence of whales feels like magic. That's how astonishing they are! But it isn't magic. And magic won't save them. Our actions today — that's it. That's what their existence relies on. I hope you agree. I hope you donate. I hope you wish them well on their journey to survive with your thoughts and with your actions.

Maybe I'll see you on the bay someday. Thank you.

Madeline Stanionis