Every time August rolls around we are reminded of the viral sensation that was the ALS ice bucket challenge in 2014. Thousands of people around the world took to social media to show themselves pouring buckets of ice cold water over them. Who knew that this would take off? That celebrities and world leaders would take part? That millions of dollars would be raised?
Here are two things we’d like to remind you of this August.
First.
Do you really know what ALS is? Have you learned about the disease?
Allow me to give you a one-minute brief on ALS.
ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is also known as Lou Gehrigs Disease and in other parts of the world, MND or motor neurone disease.
With ALS, your voluntary muscles begin to atrophy, making them useless. You lose your ability to run, walk, stand, eat, speak and eventually breathe.
ALS is fatal and there is no known cure. Most people die within two to five years of diagnosis.
One more thing, with ALS your brain is left in tact. So you know everything that is happening to you. You become a prisoner in your own body.
Second.
Those millions of dollars raised during the 2014 ALS ice bucket challenge has resulted in findings! There is a new drug for ALS treatment. The first in over 20 years. This is a direct result of the funds raised from 2014. So you see, with funding there can be findings, and treatment, and eventually a cure!
So this August, as every August since 2014, I have taken the ALS ice bucket challenge with my friend Alex. We promised to do it every August until a cure and so we happily do, not because we think it will be come a viral sensation again.
We do it because we think it is a good reminder:
· that people that ALS still exists;
· that people are still being diagnosed with ALS and losing their lives to ALS;
· that fundraising for research really makes a difference.
We do it because of all the people living with ALS today need hope.
We do it for all the people who have lost someone they love because of ALS.
We do it because, if we don’t, who will?
Donate today: https://bit.ly/bucket20