It would be impossible for me to tell you how many times I’ve been in the company of someone when they’ve said “I love a challenge.” To be honest, I probably couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve jokingly said it myself. But when my daughter asked me to take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – initially, I was definitely not loving this challenge…
Can a sister change her mind?
She accepted her challenge yesterday, and I chuckled as I previewed her video. After she challenged me, I realized I didn’t know “everything” there was to know about this new craze all over the internet. Sure I knew Hollywood was doing it – and sports figures were doing it – I even caught the Kennedy’s on the news “doing it.” But what really was “it?”
- I knew “of” ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- I knew it was a horrible debilitating disease.
- I knew, eventually it can _ _ _ _.
But because of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, I now wanted to know more.
Here is where I watched a video featuring the story of former Boston College Captain Pete Frates, who actually inspired the ice bucket challenge phenomenon that’s raised awareness and millions for ALS.
- I did not know his story.
- I did not know ALS affects four in 100,000 people in the U.S.
- I did not know in the last 24 days, the ALS Association has raised $41.8 million from people inspired to donate thanks to the ice bucket challenge (total money raised last year was $64,000.)
- I did not know since July 29th, the ALS Association has had 637,527 new donors.
Now that I “knew”, I was ready to accept my challenge!…
I decided to include Harley because, well, he and I do practically everything together, and through his website, we reach more people then ever. I tried my best to discuss this with him, but the more I explained what we were about to do and why, the more he licked my face. I interpreted this as an “I accept too!” sign.
With Doodle Dad on camera and our neighbor Mark on “bucket” we were ready to record…
Mark looks entirely too happy here…
What good is a challenge if you can’t keep it going? Therefore, I challenge the following pet blogging buddies of mine (you know I love you, right?):
Ann of Pawsitively Pets
Kimberly of Keep the Tail Wagging
Jessica of Beagles and Bargains
Ladies, if you accept this challenge, you’ve got 24 hours to “do it” and “post it” (FB is cool too!)
Oh My Doodle it was cold…
I want to thank my daughter for challenging me.
- Not because I got to play in some water on a hot afternoon
- Not because I now had a blog post topic to share
- Not because I wanted to be part of a YouTube craze
Because now I am more aware of ALS, and its need for even small donations, and now I have empowered you by sharing this information.
DISCLAIMER: Harley is fine, didn’t really get that wet, and he wasn’t damaged in anyway by the ice.
Life is never dull here in Doodleville…
Have a great weekend, be safe and we’ll be back on Monday.
August 22, 2014
Great job! I am proud of you both!
August 22, 2014
Thanks Doodle Dad – you make a great camera man….
August 22, 2014
Good job doodle mama! I just gave Wrigley a piece of my ice to chew on, but Mr Harley’s raincoat and your smile are so cute– makes me wish I’d gone that route!
August 22, 2014
Thanks Amanda – It was fun (and very cold). I learned so much about ALS once I decided to accept the challenge.
August 22, 2014
Excellent! You did great! Thank you for sharing more information on ALS. A good friend of ours passed away from this dreadful disease.
August 22, 2014
Oh Bichonpawz – I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I am so grateful to the challenge, because w/o it I am ashamed to say, I wouldn’t know as much as I’ve learned about ALS. Take care and thanks so much for reading.
August 22, 2014
Great job Cathy, although, I don’t really think Harley was as on board as you wanted to believe. LOL
I love your enthusiasm for each and every task that you and Harley take on together. HUGS to you both!
August 22, 2014
Sheila I forgot to tell Harley that I would probably scream from the cold water. He was fine afterwards. Glad you enjoyed it – and thanks so much for always reading and loving Groovy Goldendoodles. Can’t wait to tell you all about Harley’s new job….
August 22, 2014
Congratulations! Well done. That’s great to see this has helped raise so much money.
August 22, 2014
I know right? That was what drove me to write the post. The fact that so many people (like myself) were curious about the challenge, which drove us to learn more, then empowered us to share the information and hopefully pledge (if possible) towards research and a cure.
August 22, 2014
You did great! Kimberly should be ready since her hot water heater was out recently! Nothing more invigorating than ice water!
August 22, 2014
Oh Emma, is she still not getting any hot water? That’s a bummer 🙁
August 22, 2014
THAT was HILARIOUS!! You were too cute when you were yelling “cut!!” LOVE IT! Well done YOU!
August 22, 2014
Thanks Caren, Apparently my “uncut” version which included me screaming “cut-cut” was enjoyed by many 🙂 Have a great weekend with Dakota and crew!
August 22, 2014
So proud of you and Harley!! That’s great.
August 22, 2014
Thanks for challenging me Tiffany 🙂
August 22, 2014
Love it Cathy!
August 22, 2014
Thank you Lonnie!
August 22, 2014
I had a friend who died of ALS. It’s an awful, awful disease, and I’m thrilled people are raising money for research. I have donated before and will do so again.
Thank you!
Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
August 22, 2014
Hello Susan – I am so sorry to hear about your friend. As I read I couldn’t stop thinking how frightened someone diagnosed would be as they battle this disease along with the helplessness loved ones feel as they watch. My heart ached as I read. While this challenge may seem “silly” to some, many of us (myself for example) – would never have learned or donated without it. I just wish I could do more. Thanks so much for reading 🙂
August 22, 2014
Great job Cathy, I too took the challenge at my school on August 21th.You can see me on youtube.Thanks for sharing the information oa ALS.. People need to be informed.
August 24, 2014
Great! Good for you Laverne, I can’t wait to see your challenge.
August 25, 2014
Well I finally made it by to officially say thanks for the invitation! I hope I can do this sometime this week. I’ll have to find some helpers, probably my daughter 🙂 And thanks for teaching me more about it too.
August 25, 2014
Oh Ann, I have faith in you – just let me know when 🙂 and “thank you” for taking this on…. it really wasn’t all that bad…. Take care!
August 26, 2014
FUN! and its for a great cause. Golden Woofs
August 26, 2014
Yes it was fun, and we’re so happy we did it too Sugar!
September 18, 2014
Way to go Cathy and pups! Great job raising money and awareness for such a good cause!
September 18, 2014
Thanks Sadie – It was a “chilling” experience BOL – but because of the challenge I learned so much about ALS and I’ve been able to educate a few others also. For that reason, I would definitely do it again!
April 20, 2022
With my amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the first thing that happened almost 2 years ago now, was speaking as if I were drunk. I wasn’t. I initially did improve speech (articulating clearly but slow) but now I can no longer speak in an acceptable way. Then, a year later eating became problematic, I was biting my tongue and lips, and chewing became weak and less controlled. Soon after that some fingers started to fail me and things would drop out of my hands. Somewhere at that time bulbar ALS was diagnosed. The Rilutek (riluzole) did very little to help me. The medical team did even less. My decline was rapid and devastating.. We tried every shot available but nothing was working. There has been little if any progress in finding a reliable treatment, Our care provider introduced us to Kycuyu Health Clinic ALS/MND herbal treatment. The treatment is a miracle.i recovered significantly! Visit www . kycuyuhealthclinic . com. I Adhere anyone reading this to try natural approach. ALS is not a death sentence.