Ice Bucket Challenge

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is all over social media and news programs right now.  I'm thankful that it is doing wonders in raising awareness and funds!  Of course, as is human nature, there are some who complain it is all just a bunch of people daring each other to pour frigid, icy water over their heads without really realizing what ALS truly is.  Some imply that most splashers don't care to know.  I give humans more credit than that, and I thank everyone who has taken the challenge and donated.

I personally don't care about the motivations behind each person's fulfillment of the challenge.  I care about the results.  "As of Tuesday, the ALS Association said it has received $22.9 million in donations compared to $1.9 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 19)." -- TriCities.com

That's major!  Woohooo!

Growing up and especially now that I'm kind of the "undesirable" in my immediate family (smirk), my cousins are more like siblings.  One, in particular, was instrumental in keeping me sane, giving wise advice, acting as my Christian mentor, and just "being there" for me.  We've always had a close friendship and love for one another.  And, she is the one who has ALS.  She's in the final stages of this awful, evil disease.  Last time I went to see her, I did my best to stay cheery, optimistic, and humorous in front of her so as not to lower her spirits.  But, I had to take breaks outside the room so I could keep it together.  Eventually, when it was time to go, I basically fled down the hospital corridor and sobbed against the wall, out of her earshot.

ALS is a cruel, cruel beast.  Anything we can do to battle it is fantastic!  So, again, thank you to all those who have taken the challenge and/or donated.  It means a lot!

I'll leave the subject for now by linking to one of the more heart-hitting ice bucket challenge videos: 
http://ti.me/1kVNy1G

Stay in the race and fight!