Vail Daily letter: Take the challenge
The ALS “ ice bucket challenge” is a path to victory over an insidious disease!
After I recovered from the initial head rush from the icy water, it occurred to me that this challenge was symbolic of a win. What happens to the coach of a football team after a significant win?
Each accepted challenge is a step towards the ultimate victory — finding a cure.
This clever idea to raise money for ALS has gone viral countrywide on social media. When challenged by my grandchildren to dump icy water over my head, it just seemed like fun. (Yes, I enjoy SCUBA diving in icy water, too). However, the real purpose is to raise awareness and money to find a cure for the disease. The success of this fundraiser exceeds the joy that people seem to find in challenging friends and family to an icy bath.
The funds keep pouring in with every ice bucket challenge. The “ice bucket challenge,” was started by a Massachusetts resident who has lived with ALS since 2012 to raise awareness for the disease. My wife and I were made aware of the event by our daughter and grandchildren who live in Massachusetts, and have a close friend suffering from the disease.
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After posting their own ice-bucket videos, participants nominate others to do the challenge via social media. If those challenged don¹t accept, or fail to post their video within 24 hours, they must donate cash to ALS research. Most participants will accept the ice bucket challenge and also donate bucks to the cause. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive paralysis. This disease is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The suffering for those inflicted with the disease is brutal, as is the suffering, family and friends endure. There is no known cure at this time.
To donate to ALS, go to alsa.org
Casey Zwaan