Sometimes I feel like the ALS organization just got lucky. Nonetheless, they have set a standard and a tone that will encourage other organizations to raise the bar while pleading their case to our nation with open arms asking for our help for a good cause. Our country has been battling multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS and lupus, just to name a few diseases and disorders that have not been so fortunate to raise over $100 million in a calendar year. So what’s with ALS anyway?
The alsa.org website defines amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles. Information from that site notes that based on U.S. population studies, a little over 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. That’s 15 new cases a day. It is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.
According to the ALS CARE Database, 60 percent of the people with ALS in the database are men and 93 percent of patients in the Database are Caucasian. Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in persons in their twenties and thirties. Generally though, ALS occurs in greater percentages as men and women grow older. ALS is 20 percent more common in men than in women. However with increasing age, the incidence of ALS is more equal between men and women.
Any good cause is a “good cause” and for that reason I support this out of the box, untraditional fundraising approach to improve and support the extensive research efforts that will aid in finding a cure for ALS. I have to admit that before 2014 I had never heard of this rare disease and I’m more than certain that the majority participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge (which has raised an astonishing $110.5 million) hadn’t either. I’m ecstatic yet concerned in regards to the essence of the challenge, and the true benefit to the many who suffer and their families. I hate to say I’m usually a skeptic when it comes to charitable organizations taking advantage of the handsome generosity of the people who have selflessly contributed to benefit others. I sometimes wonder will the monies given to these organizations be applied appropriately in helping to find a cure to the aliments that effect so many.
Overall I am elated that our country has come together in a time of urgency and participated selflessly for the greater good. Whether it’s just for fun, a good laugh, or to gain fans in popularity, the truth of the matter is the Ice Bucket Challenge has proven to be an excellent universally recognized marketing tool that has a proven track record of success, growing in leaps and bounds due to its trendy niche and entertaining ploy. Although as a mother and activist in our community, it worries me that as people united we generally flock more towards global and media- related issues. It seems that we heavily support them and tend to forget about the issues that hit home and can be addressed and supported communitywide, citywide or statewide. Issues such as homelessness, hunger and one of the biggest and most obvious – poverty.
It worries me that we can gather on a larger scale but as a community, our actions prove to be either subpar or nonexistent. We struggle to muster up the effort, the know-how; or we lack urgency to act collectively to organize meaningful and effective ways to raise capital for some of the detrimental issues that exist in our “backyards.” It really starts with recognizing the need and fulfilling it with a proactive plan of action.
Many have asked would I do the challenge; I smile and politely say NO. I hate the cold and I love my hair. I am a huge supporter of this organization’s cause, and I believe they have done an excellent job communicating their need and educating their supporters and followers.
In the name of love and fun I’m all for it; hooray for ALS. For more information about ALS and this awesome challenge, please visit www.alsa.org.Photo by Kirsten Schmitt