Ice Bucket Challenge
2024 is the 10th anniversary of the first Ice Bucket Challenge! This summer, we recommit to the spirit of the Ice Bucket Challenge to accelerate ALS treatments and invest in the best in direct patient care.
After being challenged by his friend John Russo, Executive Director Jeff Cline took part in the 2024 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
This Summer marks 10 years since the original ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised millions of dollars for ALS research and care and incredible awareness for the ALS cause. Since the Ice Bucket Challenge began, we have seen significant advances for the ALS cause, including new treatments such as Radicava and Qalsody, and progress in assistive technology and communication devices. Watch videos from our 2024 Help & Hope Symposium to learn more about the advancements in research.
Our experienced care team assists ALS families across our territory, connecting them with an extensive durable medical equipment loan program, assistive speech technology, wheelchairs, home ramping, social work and nursing assistance, and in-home care, all of which have expanded in scale over the past decade:
- The Howard I. Abrams Program provided 1,119 families with nearly 200,000 hours of caregiving assistance in the past ten years. This program was established in 1995 and is marking its 30th year of service.
- The Marjorie Shimer Durable Medical Equipment Program has lent or purchased 4,397 pieces of essential medical equipment to families in need.
- The Scott Mackler Assistive Technology Program has distributed hundreds of devices over the last 10 years as well as providing 2,511 interventions, helping families assess their communication needs.
- ALS United Mid-Atlantic supports 8 multidisciplinary clinics that over the last 10 years have seen 12,538 patients.
YOU made this progress possible. Because of you, ALS United Mid-Atlantic is stronger than ever. Our researchers are participating in exciting national studies like the HEALEY Platform Trials, we have expanded programs such as the Howard I. Abrams In-Home Care Program, and our exceptional team of care professionals are able to assist ALS families throughout every part of our region in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
"The Ice Bucket Challenge created so much hope for me and thousands of other people living with ALS" - Sarah Brendle
This month, join us and renew your commitment to the ALS cause.
Watch this video of Rob Gildea, a veteran living with ALS, sharing his story and discussing the impact of the Ice Bucket Challenge.