The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

During college, Pete Frates was one of the team captains for the Boston College baseball team.  In March of 2012, at 27 years of age, he was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that offers no cure or hope.  Not content with that outcome, Pete decided to do something to try to help.  He started a campaign that has seen remarkable results.  Supporters are challenged to take an ALS ice bucket challenge, where a bucket of ice water is poured over their head, and then encourage others to do the same.  If the person chooses not to accept the challenge then they are to make a donation to the ALSA.  When accepting the challenge, the participant first acknowledges the person who challenged him, then in turn nominates others to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Next he has someone record the ice water being poured over his head and then posts the video on social media.  At first, only the ones who did not choose to accept the challenge were to make a donation, but it did not take long before the participants sent in their donations as well.  The challenge has been a huge success in raising awareness and funds for the ALS Association.  Athletes all over Boston and the country have participated, along with former President Bush #43, celebrities, individuals, families, children, teachers, administrators, business people and even people with ALS.  A teenage daughter of a man with ALS accepted the challenge, even though she had not been nominated.  Her father then participated as a way of showing his gratitude.

The news reporters have interviewed people who have been diagnosed with ALS to record their reaction to the Ice Bucket Challenge.  Every one, that I have read about or seen questioned, has been most grateful that the disease is being highlighted.  They feel validated that so many are willing to accept the ice bucket challenge, learn about their disease, as well as make a contribution the ALSA.  So far $94 million has been given compared to $2.5 million a year ago at this time.  Although only 28% of the funds received go to research, that is still $26 million more, and adding to the amount daily, than they have previously raised to help find a cure for ALS.  May they now be wise stewards of the money that has been entrusted to them.  My prayer is that they find a cure for ALS and that it will also be helpful in aiding people with arthritis, Parkinson’s, Lupus, MS, and other diseases as well.

Things I’m thinking about:

* Sometimes it takes just one person not giving up on hope to share hope with others.

* One man’s dream can make a difference for others, too.

* Sometimes we need to be educated about a situation so we can find ways to be part of the solution to help.

*Several methods may be used to accomplish the same goal.  Water was either poured on by the person participating or he had someone else pour it on him.  It was poured quickly or slowly.  There were different sizes and number of buckets used, but all accomplished the intended outcome.

* Children, teenagers, and adults participated.

* People are willing to endure something uncomfortable for a greater cause.

* When reminded of or taught about the debilitating disease ALS, people wanted to give even though they completed the challenge. Children gave money from their banks.

* When your heart is involved, sacrifices are willingly made.

As believers, we need to constantly be sharing that no matter the circumstances Jesus is and always will be our hope.  That’s good news the whole world needs to hear and know.  Sometimes we may need to offer a cup of cold water to people to drink, for Jesus' sake, to remind them of that. 

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:5

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.

Psalm 62:5

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

Ephesians 3:20