A group of Widdifield S.S. teachers get doused with ice cold water in support of ALS. A total of four lines of students and/or teachers lined up to get water dumped on them. PHOTO BY CHRIS DAWSON.
The chilly ALS Ice Bucket Challenge made a strong appearance Tuesday at noon at Widdifield Secondary School.
Students and staff lined up in chairs to get doused with ice cold water in support of the ALS research.
“Last year was kind of like the beginning of the Ice Bucket Challenge and it was really misunderstood for a lot of people so we wanted to bring it back with the intention of actually educating a lot of people what ALS is,” said Widdifield grade 12 student Rochelle Leppert, who helped organize the function which was part of a grade 12 initiative at the high school.
ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a neurodegenerative terminal disease. With no cure, or treatment available, patients affected experience gradual paralyses throughout the body as the nerve cells that control movement die. Eventually, the disease kills because it impacts the patient’s ability to breathe.
Leppert says they hope to raise $1000 for the cause through the Ice Bucket Challenge and a Dance and Music Showcase.
“It’s a lot more than just getting water dumped on your head, you are really supporting families and people that are affected by it,” she said.
A handful of Widdifield students are expected to continue to support the cause by taking part in the WALK for ALS which will be held in North Bay on Saturday, June 6th at 221 Memorial drive.
The WALK begins at 10:00 a.m. with the goal to raise $20,000.
This year the North Bay WALK for ALS welcomes Mayor Al MacDonald who will greet participants and be featured as the guest speaker.
The public can register for this WALK For ALS or any of the 32 WALKS taking place across Ontario at www.walkforals.ca.
