As I’m sure you have seen, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has taken the internet by storm! Since this disease isn’t normally at the forefront of discussions, I am glad it is getting this awareness to encourage education and donations.
ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the motor neurons die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement. Patients in later stages may become completely paralyzed. It is this steady deterioration of motor neurons caused by ALS that eventually leads to a patient’s death.
This breaks my heart. I can’t imagine the fear and challenges that come with ALS or being a loved one of someone diagnosed with the disease. My dad has a friend with a son named Peter Frates, who is a a former baseball player and an ALS patient. We have seen the difficulties his family has faced. More importantly though, we have been so inspired by their courage, love, and determination to make a difference. You can read more about Peter Frates and the family’s organization, Team FrateTrain, by checking out their family website here and community Facebook page here.
Needless to say, I was so happy to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge (and donate!) to bring attention to the disease and the ALS Association. A special thanks to my Chicago roomie Anne and friend Kandice Denison for the nominations. My mom, Eric, and I were all nominated this week and decided to do the challenge together in our backyard while Eric and I were back in town. Annika made sure that water was chilly.
Unfortunately, I had some difficulty getting the video on the blog, so you can visit my Facebook page or click here to view it. From Annika’s struggle with Eric’s bucket to mom’s post-ice water panic, it is pretty darn silly. In the meantime, you can also check out some action photos below!
For more information on ALS and to make a donation, please visit www.alsa.org. Make sure to participate in the ice bucket fun and put those around you up to the challenge!
Well, it sure does feel good to be typing away after busy days of driving and unpacking. I’ll have to share some photos from the adventures along the way early next week. Happy Friday everyone, and happy ice bucketing!
*Image at start of post is courtesy of ALSA’s home page.