I’ve been challenged to participate in the The Ice Bucket Challenge.
I did it.
For a few or four reasons.
One, because if doing something a little fun and whacky brings attention to ALS it is totally worth it.
Two, because raising money to find cures and preventions of horrific diseases is always a good thing.
Three, because I’ve seen ALS. And it scares me.
Many years ago I read the book A Time To Love A Time To Mourn . It is one of the few books that I remember in good detail. It has always stuck with me and I’ve never known anyone else to read it. At the time I had no idea what “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” was. That book told me, and since then I’ve learnt more. And since then, I’ve met people who have ALS.
And…. It’s because I’ve seen people with ALS. Talked to them. Met with their families. Seen what ALS does to the human body. This is why it’s important. There’s nothing funny about ALS. The very first time I met someone with ALS I stood in front of him, slightly bent forward so he could see me easily and so I could be as close to him as possible to hear him and try to understand him. I locked my legs and didn’t move for over 35 minutes. I promised him that though it wasn’t easy to understand him I would do my best and I would ask him the same question a few times to make sure I was understanding his answers. I asked if that was okay. He said yes. And we did talk. When I unlocked my legs I nearly passed out when I began to walk. I had to hold myself up against the wall. The emotion of seeing this once strong, successful family and business man being restrained against his will was something I will never forget. But there is something amazing about getting people across the world to do something a little silly and a little pointless to make a tremendous point. And to work together for a common goal. It’s what we do for cancers and heart disease, diabetes and more.
I’ll dump a bucket of ice water on myself. And I’ll donate money. Donating money alone doesn’t bring awareness or get others to collectively gather under that bucket. It’s the challenge to everyone else to care enough to spread the word. And maybe donate a little. If you can’t donate, you can still spread the word. Technically I think if you are challenged and DON’T dump the ice water on your head then you have to donate. But I think many of those accepting the challenge and passing it on are also passing on a little money.
The fourth reason is a little closer to home.
My friend’s father was diagnosed with ALS about a year and a half ago. I pass his house on my way to work every day and say a little prayer for him and his family. I don’t know him well but I know my friend. And through my friend I have been blessed by the grace of his path since his diagnosis.
I challenge everyone who does not have ALS to learn a little something about it. And take on the ice bucket challenge to spread the word.
It’s fun. It’s silly. But it sure is making a point. I challenge all of you to spread the word. Do it in a fun way by dumping ice water over yourself or in some other creative way. Anything we do to learn more and support the research is worth doing.
I challenge you.
Important post Colleen, there are many people who are suffering by this disease.
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I have been saddened to see how many in my area alone. I am not sure that many have seen much information about this disease. It is horrid. Thank you Irene.
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My awareness of ALS is limited to what I’ve seen in movies but it seems like a pretty traumatic affliction based on what I’ve learned. Here in CA there is a severe drought so the ice bucket challenge is a controversial issue. Perhaps $ would be a better route to take but thank you for making me realize that something should be done,
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I’ve just started hearing about the controversy in California. It makes sense to be concerned about wasting water. It would be wonderful if someone came up with a “California Ice Bucket Challenge” that had a twist to it. It’s not really about the ice, but the challenge to become aware and spread the word, and if possible raise some money. Thank you Marissa.
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I actually thought about that. I guess the answer is to donate money instead.
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That’s a good answer too!
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You were quite the lady doing it! Those images are priceless…but I sure wish I was the one pouring the ice water! And……. I am glad to see you have water there!
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🙂 We do have water. Though I have to say we haven’t been inundated with it either. But we are water plenty compared to you folks. Quite the lady huh???? 🙂
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Good job for a great cause, Colleen. Bravo.
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🙂 Thank you!
Have you been challenged yet Mark?
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I owe my sister-in-law a bucket over my head, Colleen! She’ll get it yet.
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I’m looking forward to that Mark. 😉
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Good job, CM! I was challenged to do it, too, but elected to donate instead (just couldn’t pull together a way to dump the ice and video it at the same time). I passed it on to others who did it and donated, and who are now passing it on.
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Passing it along is the great part! 🙂 And opting out by paying is a great way to opt out. 😉
I might have to do it again to challenge some bloggers….. 😉
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Way to go Colleen! I think it’s a great cause and I like the way how everyone is bringing awareness. It sure has my attention.
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Thank you Shian. I am so impressed with the world for stepping up and doing something this big. It’s amazing.
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Excellent post, Colleen. I can’t do the ice bucket but I sure can donate. ❤
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❤ That is wonderful! I can't believe the out come of this. I don't even know who started it. I was challenged by my friend who's father has ALS. I would do it again for him.
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❤ ❤ ❤
Our newspaper this morning shows the police chief choosing the ice bucket.
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I am enjoying the videos. And the money being raised. 🙂
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Yes. High FIVE!
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\|||| that’s the closest I could come to a hand! 🙂
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That’s why I spelled mine out. 😀
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Hahhahahahahaha! 🙂
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~(*_~)~~
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It’s a horrible disease and your post is very well received compassion. I’m with you on helping where/when I can. Thank you for this important post. ❤
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Thank you Paulette. I hope people take away an understanding of the horrible torture of this disease. And take away an incredible feeling of how things get accomplished when we all care together.
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Good for you. It’s one of my causes I donate to regularly–my grandmother suffered from this disease, and I will never forget what it did to her. I read a book called Until I Say Goodbye: A Book about Living by Susan Spencer-Wendel. It was a wonderfully inspiring book. It was one of those turning points for me. Glad you took the challenge!
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I’m sorry about your Grandmother April. I’ve seen it enough that I truly fear it. I will have to check out this book. Thank you for the recommendation.
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I’m sure you know already but by the time someone is diagnosed with it, they are long into it and usually have about three years to live. It’s a horrific disease.
Could I dump the ice water over my Hubby’s head instead? 😉
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Sure you can! Can we see video????? 😉
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I may not survive long enough to video it…lol
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Give it a try! 🙂
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lol
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Woot! That is great! It is good that so much has been raised, I heard about ten million so far. 🙂
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I’ve been reading that as well, it’s supposed to have by far surpassed last years fund raising. I hope they get some incredible research dollars out of this.
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Me too, it is needed.
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Colleen, I am not the least bit surprised that you took the challenge, nor am I at all surprised for the reasons you did. You are indeed one of the most thoughtful folks I have ever met. I completely understand your desire and need to be out there on this disease. I will take up the challenge to learn more about ALS, but standing under an bucket of ice may not be in my best interests, but then I may to a small bucket. It seems to be that the price is right on this challenge. Take care, be safe. Bill
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As long as the word is getting around and people are being helped and educated. The way I look at any disease…. if we can cure one I always think that it will have an impact on learning more about another one. I always hope cures will have a domino effect on creating more cures.
Even with out doing the challenge Bill, if people are learning what ALS is and discussion is created it’s having an impact.
🙂 Thank you!
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My dear sweet lovely daughter accepted her challenge and called me out, I will give her the honor of dumping ice water on me on 8.30.14 during our family cookout. Hopefully the pool will still be 90 degrees to warm up in. Take care, Bill
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I hope we see a picture of this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
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Thank you for notifying the public. Thank you for doing the ice bucket challenge. So many diseases are amongst us, so much that has to be done for all of them. Loved the shots and thank you for the post.
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You’re welcome Jen. It’s amazing. I am amazed at the outcome of this challenge. People are talking and are donating. Educating or donating, it all has a good impact. 🙂
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Hugs yes it is x
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You’re a STAR!!!! I don’t think neither that tip a bucket full of ice water over our heads will make any difference to the world and the problem, but it raises awareness. Well done, Colleen.
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I think the awareness is the first step. Without the ice bucket challenge people weren’t donating or learning. It’s been a great way to spread the information. 🙂
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Awareness is number one for a cause like this and information. Well done, Colleen. You’re a tough little cookie with a big heart and soul.
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I will gladly let you think I am a “little” cookie!! 😉 Here’s to more awareness!!!
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Okay … little cookie then! *smile
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Hahahahahahahaha! 🙂
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