Ice Bucket Challenge

   So, I was nominated to take the ice bucket challenge by my lovely friend Charbie. Though I had to give her a bit of a hard time at first for nominating me to pour a bucket of ice cold water over my head (that's what friends are for right?), I have to say that I'm really excited to be a part of something that's having an impact on so many people!

   In case you're wondering what the ice bucket challenge is, the ice bucket challenge was set in place to raise awareness and donations for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or what's sometimes refered to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS is "a progressive neuro degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord." In ALS, motor neurons degenerate over time. These neurons are what send signals through your body to control muscle movement. With this degeneration comes severe muscle weakness and those affected with ALS often become fully paralyzed later in life. 

   It's both heartbreaking and inspiring to consider the journey those with ALS are on. They're facing an uphill battle every day of their lives and the way I've seen so many of them handle that battle is with such determination and strength. I think we could learn how to live our lives a bit fuller if we just stop to consider what it would be like to live in someone elses' shoes for a while.

  

All that being said... I thought I could handle a little dip in some ice water right?! No problem! First though, I had to prepare! I brought along my buddy, Helena the Hippo? Why is her name Helena? I don't know. Then, any responsible adult knows not to go to the beach without their floaties! Check!...Not going to lie guys, ice cold water about to be dumped over my head...a little intimidating... 

uhhh... yeah...okaay...I can do this! Here goes nothing! ♥

AHH!! Cold....cold cold...coldcoldcold....COLD!!!

Phew! Okay...that was a bit chilly! But there you have it! ♥

I extend this ice bucket challenge to each of you reading this! The "rules" of this challenge are, if  you're brave enough to handle the ice water, you'll donate $10 to the ASL Association. You can donate in world here. If you don't take the challenge and decide to pass it on instead, you'll donate a larger sum. I'm making up my own rules though! Yeah, I can do that! My rules are simple, if you can't donate right now, that's okay! Instead, make yourself more aware of what ALS is and the effects it has on someone with the disease. Better understanding what others are going through will take us a long long way. ♥