The ALS Bucket Challenge

[Jordan Catalano]

She'll do the sushi bucket challenge.

[FindingNamo]

That would be GREAT. But expensive. Unless it was expired sushi.

[Jordan Catalano]

As long as it's free and she gets to eat it after, I don't think it matters if it's expired or not.

[PalJoey]

They're up to $34 million raised through the ice-buckets.

That's $34 million they didn't have last month.

That means there are people in my father's condition who may not know the twisted, tortured agonizing death he suffered from ALS, knowing that his limbs were becoming "useless appendages," as he said at his most bitter and angry, and his body "dead weight."

He said Alzheimer's would be better because at least you've got dementia to hide what's going on. With ALS, it's like medieval torture, where you see and hear and understand that your muscles and joints will never work again. BUT YOU'RE ALIVE TO WITNESS IT.

Hopefully, others won't go through that, but, realistically, research and treatment don't happen overnight.

But $34 million, people. $34 million.

I don't give a flying F*CK how many people posted videos without contributing.

At $34 million, it's a negligible percentage.

The point is $34 million.

So shut up about the people not contributing. Okay? Shut up.

Or my father's ghost will visit you in your darkest and most bitter hour, and give you dreams of your arms and legs withering into useless appendages and your body becoming dead weight.

Thirty-four million dollars people. It's a good thing, NOT a thing to be snarky about.

[paradox_error]

Exactly, PalJoey, and thank you for sharing your father's story.

The problem with the attitude of "shut up and just donate money" is that it clearly wasn't working.

Without the gimmick, they would have $34 million less to fight this bastard of a disease.

If that means we have to endure a few more videos with people who are only interested in showing off, so be it.

[NYadgal]

And again, I say Amen.

PJ, I was waiting for you to share your story. Thank you.

Again, I can't imagine anyone who has been touched by this hideous disease having any problem with this fundraising effort.

[YouWantitWhen????]

What PJ said.

[CarlosAlberto]

Thanks PJ for putting the attention of this effort/challenge where it truly belongs: not only raising awareness but raising the funds needed to subsidize the efforts in finding a cure. I'm sorry that your dad had to suffer with it. It sounds excruciating. I would never, ever wish this (or any other disease) on anyone.

[SonofRobbieJ]

I kept joking, 'Bitches better not call me out! I do NOT want to do this.' And then I was called out. And I did it. And I donated. It felt good to be a part of something like this, especially after watching this.
Heartbreaking.

[Broadwayboobs]

Warning: Do not open Robbie's video while at work unless your whole office is watching with you. Grab the tissues.

[SNAFU]

I saw that video early this morning and it really moved me. It helped to put a face to this terrible disease! May the challenge continue to raise money!

[FindingNamo]

Funny Gay Male Bob Smith is living with ALS. He was the first openly gay comic to appear on.a US TV talk show. The first time I saw Funny Gay Males I could barely breathe from laughing so hard. Smith's is another face that may be familiar to those of us who were around back in the day.

[SonofRobbieJ]

I forgot Smith was suffering with ALS. He made a huge impression on me when I was just a young teenager and seeing him be out and proud...and FUNNY!

[canmark]

Speaking as someone who has ALS, I think the ice bucket challenge is a great thing and I thank all of those people who have participated – by taking the challenge, making a video, raising awareness, helping someone with ALS, donating, or any or all of the above. I myself have not done the challenge, but I did donate.

I was diagnosed with ALS in July, 2013. I have been on long-term disability leave from work since October, 2013. I am able to speak and eat, however I am no longer able to walk, dress or bathe myself.

Because ALS is rare and people with ALS are often unable to get out in the community, often people do not know anyone with the disease and know little of its effects. But thanks to people like Pete Frates, we all know a lot more: http://espn.go.com/boston/story/_/id/11366772/in-als-fight-pete-frates-message-loud-clear-ice-bucket-challenge

[PalJoey]

Here's wishing you strength and love, canmark. I hope you're finding the support you need.

[NYadgal]

Robbie, that video should be shared far and wide. Heartbreaking and the point.

Canmark, I echo PalJoey's wishes for you. Strength, love and all the support you need.
I add you to my prayers. And I thank you for your voice in this important and serious matter.

[haterobics]

I got to interview Bob twice and he was a great guy, so with that reminder, I just went and donated as well. No ice bucket for me, though.

[PalJoey]

Friends of Bob Smith are holding an online auction of folk art for ALS research in Bob's honor.

The Auction Starts at 8:00 AM Friday August 22 and runs through Sunday August 24th till 9:00 PM THE BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SHIPPING COSTS. ALL MONIES MINUS SHIPPING FEES will be donated to The ALS fund in Honor of Bob Smith. There may be more items added through the weekend.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PrimitivesforALS/

[Reginald Tresilian]

It's amazing the way this has grown to be so much larger than a bucket of water!

Canmark, I'm adding my good wishes to all the rest.

[PalJoey]

$41 million as of today.

[Mister Matt]

Okay, Kermit wins. That is wonderful.
Kermit Ice Water Bucket Challenge

[Reginald Tresilian]

I like that very much.

[Liza's Headband]

Meanwhile, in Kentucky...


Two firefighters seriously injured during ice bucket challenge

[Reginald Tresilian]

Because the ladder on their truck hit a power line.

[PalJoey]

$50 million.

Yesterday: $10 million in one day.

This was is a picture of my father, long before he was stricken with ALS:



If he were alive today, he would be very proud of and grateful to everyone who contributed.


TIME: Ice Bucket Challenge ALS Donations Break $50 Million Mark

[PalJoey]

Update from ALSA: $53.3. million in donations compared to $2.2 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 21)

Anyone continuing to put down this fundraiser is just being a douche.