You may have seen the videos on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. A new challenge is being accepted across the nation and documented on social media sites to raise awareness for ALS, or sometimes known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to the patient's death. Patients in the later stages of the disease may also become totally paralyzed.
The Ice Bucket Challenge shows participants getting drenched with buckets of ice water and then nominating others to do the same. According to the ALS Association website, those who refuse the challenge are asked to make a donation to the ALS charity of their choice.
According to the ALS Association's national president, Barbara Newhouse, the Ice Bucket Challenge has been a huge success. In the last week alone, $168,000 has been raised in online donations. During the same time last year they had raised $14,000.
The Ice Bucket Challenge has made its way to the United States Naval Academy via Tom O'Brien, University of Virginia's associate head football coach. O'Brien was the former head coach at Boston College. The Ice Bucket Challenge was started by former Boston College baseball player, Pete Frates who has lived with ALS since 2012.
Coach O'Brien challenged his son Danny, outside linebackers coach at USNA.
Coach O'Brien has challenged Navy Sports Information Director, Scott Strasemeier.
We're waiting for the video from former Navy quaterback, Ricky Dobbs and Navy equipment manager, Greg Morganthaler.
To make a donation to help fight ALS, you can visit the ALS Association webpage.
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