Last year, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge became a hit, and had everyone drenched in ice-cold water and donating to a good cause - the study and treatment of ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease that deteriorates the muscles in the body. Researchers now know amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is caused by a defective protein, and there are ongoing studies to find the cure, stem cell therapy being one of them.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge called for a person in support of the cause to drench himself with ice or ice-cold water, and then they will challenge someone else to do the deed. There was no hard and fast rule that donations have to follow the performance of the challenge. Organizers say that doing the challenge alone already helped in raising awareness about the disease. However, almost all the time, the person who met the challenge also would donate to the cause.
ALSA or ALS Association is spearheading the Ice Bucket Challenge. It has brought it back this August, and plans to do so every August until a cure is found. Last year's experience earned ALSA $115 million, with more than 17 million people uploading their videos on social media.
The challenge was started by professional golfer Chris Kennedy, who challenged his sister, Jeanette Senerchia. Her husband, Anthony, has ALS. From then on, it just took on a life of its own.
So the question now is how did the ALSA spend the money they raised? True to its form, 70% of the funds is being spent on research, and 20% on community service and patient service.The remaining 10% pays for administration costs, publicity and other fundraising events.
ALSA's patient and community service is available in 48 certified clinics across the country. These clinics provide respiratory therapy and even psychological services. They specialize in providing care for those who are in their final stages of the disease.
