With such simple beginnings as one person challenging a friend to pour some ice water on their head or donate to a charity, the “ice bucket challenge” has swept the nation. Sub Zero ice cream got in on the fun this week and took the challenge. Jerry and Naomi, founders and CEO’s of Sub Zero ice cream were drenched in freezing cold water today in front of their store to raise awareness for ALS, or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
On alsa.org they explain what the disease really is;
“Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.”
There is currently no cure for this disease. Treatment includes different medicines to prolong the effects of the disease and trial medications that use agents that target possible causes of the disease.
Because treatement and care for patients can become very expensive very quickly, the ALS Foundation asks for donations to help support those they stand for, and to support those searching for a cure. Sub Zero was excited to be able to help out and spread the word by taking the ice bucket challenge.