I was nominated by Bruce Wilson, my pastor at West Main Baptist Church, to take the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS. Watch the video on our Facebook page.

For every “Like” and “Share” this video receives on our Facebook page, DOAR will donate $1 to the DC/MD/VA Chapter of the ALS Association.

What is ALS?

According to the ALS Association, “ALS was first found in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease. Ending the career of one of the most beloved baseball players of all time, the disease is still most closely associated with his name. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 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.” (Source: www.alsa.org)

What is the Ice Bucket Challenge?

The Ice Bucket Challenge is a viral campaign to raise awareness and funds for ALS. Participants who accept the challenge have a bucket of ice water dumped on them, and in turn, challenge others to do the same within 24 hours. Those who do not accept the challenge are asked to make a donation (any amount) to their preferred ALS charity.

Why do we care about ALS?

As experts in physical therapy, we are committed to helping people to physically function at the highest level possible.  One of our many foes, ALS gradually makes it more and more difficult to use major muscle groups need for activities such as walking, rising from a chair, and getting in and out of bed.

For some patients with ALS,  physical therapy can help improve mobility, relieve pain, and delay or limit development of permanent physical disabilities. With these techniques, physical therapists can help restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.

Learn more about the role of physical therapy with ALS and other muscular disorders at www.mda.org.