ALS Ice bucket challenge

I have been nominated by the lovely Lisa Marie Liserio to complete the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I appreciate the applause worthy efforts of those who have donated to funding the research to cure and/or improve therapy for those afflicted with this debilitating disease. I recognize the significance of research funding and I will take the opportunity to encourage others to become informed with other organizations that will benefit from their donations (standup2cancer.org, cancer.org, cityofhope.org)*.

I believe the fund-raising challenge has been so successful because of the amusing and simple alternative for those who were unable to donate, which is to dump ice water on their heads. Those who know me well know that the following words are held in high esteem: ice, water, and bucket (especially when you preface the words with ‘shaved’, ‘frozen’, and ‘sand castle’, respectively).

To the disappointment of nobody, I will not add another video of the ice water dumping. I am too fond of the ALS ice water fails and can only wish that my video would make it to that compilation in another universe. I will not be capitalizing on the quality ice pellets made by the ice machine down the hall from where I type this. Rather, I will donate an appropriate amount to the cause. 

Just another quick note: I am not an ignoramus when it comes to the "boring/less fun" side of this ice bucket challenge. I am currently living in drought-plagued southern California. I grew up in the deserts of Arizona. I understand the value of water as a precious commodity not only in this country, but in other parts of the world. Mainly for this reason, I opt to not participate in the "fun". 

Google image.

Despite my lack of participation, I support any positive effect of the ALS ice bucket challenge, if only to increase awareness! I want to thank Lisa for the opportunity to compose my thoughts. There are many ways to become involved from spreading the message, to donating, and to becoming an active participant in the scientific research. Don't limit yourself in ways to be involved. 

*I may be bias in the links I have provided, but I am most familiar with these sources due to the nature of my job as a cancer researcher.