Over the last month, it has been impossible to visit a news or social media website without seeing the latest participant in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. It’s highly entertaining to watch someone dump a bucket of ice water on their head, and the enjoyment doubles when you add the amount of goodwill this challenge has accomplished.
ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is commonly called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The website for the ALS Assocation states that “ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord”. The disease leads to the deterioration of motor neurons that limits the function of muscles and can later lead to paralysis. The Ice Bucket Challenge began as a means for raising awareness for this disease. It begins with a challenge extended from one person to another to either donate a specified amount to an ALS charity or dump a bucket of ice water on their head. After accepting the challenge, the person then challenges another handful of people to the same choice. (The exact specifications of each challenge may vary and many donate and dump water on their heads.)
We probably don’t have to tell you that Ice Bucket Challenge videos have been a success. The ALS Association has received over $100 million in donations from July 29 to August 29.
Along with millions of others, the Paul Davis Restoration has accepted this challenge. There are many franchises across the country have helped raise awareness for ALS in their local communities through this challenge.
So keep your eye out for Paul Davis Ice Bucket Challenge videos as you are browsing the Internet in Traverse City.