Five years ago an unexpected internet sensation swept over the world to raise money and awareness for ALS. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, started by YFALS Ambassadors Pete Frates and Pat Quinn, dared participants to dump a bucket of ice water over their heads or donate money to an ALS charity. It gained momentum as celebrities, politicians, and everyday people took on the challenge and asked their friends to take the plunge too. The Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $4 million for ALS TDI, money that was used to advance antibody therapeutic AT-1501 into a phase 1 clinical trial and develop the Precision Medicine Program.
One of our favorite Ice Bucket Challenges was done by YFALS Ambassador Anthony Carbajal. His comedic challenge and touching appeal for help was incredibly effective. He saw an outpouring of support from his community as his story went viral and his video hit over 17 million views on YouTube.
Anthony’s challenge gained so much attention that he was invited to appear on The Ellen Show in September 2014. On the show Anthony pointed attention towards the work of ALS Therapy Development Institute. Host Ellen DeGeneres presented him with $50,000 to help with expenses and gave another $50,000 to ALS TDI.
The YFALS Ambassadors issued this thank you to all those who participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge:
“Who would have thought that a bucket of water and some ice would raise all this awareness and funding toward ALS research! We each, together with our families, and on behalf of the entire ALS community, would like to express our deep gratitude to everyone who has accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge so far and encourage people to stay involved in the ultimate challenge to end ALS. Every time a person accepts the Ice Bucket Challenge and posts it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, you give us new strength and hope. Every donation is moving the needle on important research leading to the development of effective treatments and a cure for ALS. Thank you!”