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I do a lot of reading and following what is going on in all facets of the news. I watched as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge exploded on the internet, which, if you think about it is not too surprising because every person who does the challenge nominates a few other people, so once it caught on and a few well known people helped it along, everyone became aware and joined in. I also knew it would only be a matter of time until my name was thrown in the mix. Sure enough, that day came this last week and I did not hesitate for a moment to keep the trend going. Why? We are experiencing a rare moment that is doing tons of good and I wanted to keep it going as long as possible. You see, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a very devastating disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease that renders those affected slowly less able to control their muscles, eventually leading to paralysis and death. There is no cure. While there is some awareness about ALS, it does not enjoy the kind of awareness other illnesses such as various cancers and diabetes have. As a result, donations to research are limited, I would assume mostly made by those who have known someone diagnosed with the disease.
The ice bucket challenge has changed that, for now.
The numbers have skyrocketed. From July 29th-August 24th 2013, $2.5 million in donations to the ALS Association were made. From July 29th-August 24th of this year, $70.2 million has now poured in, including 1.3 million new donors! When I reported on the increase just three days ago when I did the challenge, the number was around $41 million with 700,000 new donors. In three days, that is a $30 million increase. That is why this moment must continue as long as possible. The world today is unbelievably fast-paced. Breaking news stories captivate us, but only briefly until the next big thing comes around. One day we are furious over the events in Ferguson, until one day something new comes along and we forget all about it. Our attention spans are limited. Thankfully, the ice bucket challenge is still booming, and it is beating out the naysayers and those trying to politicize it (including those trying to change it...ya idiots).
To all you who have been challenged, all of you who have already taken the challenge, and all of you who I hope will soon be formally challenged- no matter how you accomplish the challenge, make a donation too, and don't forget the importance of these moments we have. When the ice bucket challenge is a thing of the past, still find a worthy cause (not a charity, we're focusing on disease research here) that does not spend all day in the limelight and give what you can.
I expect the ALS Association will easily pull in over $100 million this year. I cannot even imagine what a difference that will make when years before they were operating on a fraction of that. The challenge is still going strong, help keep it going as long as we can.
For the song of the day, I have a great Sunday one that fits the topic- Alex Boye and Carmen Rasmusen Herbert's duet "Have I Done Any Good, Today?" Also, enjoy my ice bucket challenge video below, and yes, I will be making a donation to the ALS Association.
The ice bucket challenge has changed that, for now.
The numbers have skyrocketed. From July 29th-August 24th 2013, $2.5 million in donations to the ALS Association were made. From July 29th-August 24th of this year, $70.2 million has now poured in, including 1.3 million new donors! When I reported on the increase just three days ago when I did the challenge, the number was around $41 million with 700,000 new donors. In three days, that is a $30 million increase. That is why this moment must continue as long as possible. The world today is unbelievably fast-paced. Breaking news stories captivate us, but only briefly until the next big thing comes around. One day we are furious over the events in Ferguson, until one day something new comes along and we forget all about it. Our attention spans are limited. Thankfully, the ice bucket challenge is still booming, and it is beating out the naysayers and those trying to politicize it (including those trying to change it...ya idiots).
To all you who have been challenged, all of you who have already taken the challenge, and all of you who I hope will soon be formally challenged- no matter how you accomplish the challenge, make a donation too, and don't forget the importance of these moments we have. When the ice bucket challenge is a thing of the past, still find a worthy cause (not a charity, we're focusing on disease research here) that does not spend all day in the limelight and give what you can.
I expect the ALS Association will easily pull in over $100 million this year. I cannot even imagine what a difference that will make when years before they were operating on a fraction of that. The challenge is still going strong, help keep it going as long as we can.
For the song of the day, I have a great Sunday one that fits the topic- Alex Boye and Carmen Rasmusen Herbert's duet "Have I Done Any Good, Today?" Also, enjoy my ice bucket challenge video below, and yes, I will be making a donation to the ALS Association.
