Volunteers stir buckets full of ice and water as they prepare to dump water in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Participating in the global phenomenon of awareness, support, and many gallons of icy water, The Roundup Senior staff eagerly took on the challenge in response to President Mike Earsing’s formal challenge, an opportunity The Roundup could not refuse.
On Tuesday, September 2, The Roundup senior staff officially took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
The challenge raises awareness and support for combating Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the US. This degenerate motor neuron disorder impairs the victim’s ability to regulate movement and vital processes in the body. The disease progresses until the victim, now trapped and unable to move, dies.
The Roundup was glad to play its part in the battle against ALS. After the weekly Tuesday meeting, The Roundup senior staff and a select number of volunteers began preparations for the icy challenge. Marching through the halls, these individuals made their way to Postell Stadium, where the challenge took place. After some final preparation, the senior staff lined up and challenged the yearbook before the volunteers poured ice water over the seniors’ heads.
The challenge gave the seniors an opportunity to reflect on the impact of ALS.
News Editor Jackson Slaughter ’15 said that “although the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was a fun experience, it was for a worthy cause.”
Other members, including Pop Culture Editor Chris Artigues ’15, were not aware of ALS. Commenting on how effective the challenge is, Artigues stated, “I hadn’t even known that the disease existed. The challenge at least opened my eyes a little more.”
Finally, many members such as Slaughter and Managing Editor Michael Lanham ’15 had already taken the challenge. Lanham stated, “After completing the ice bucket challenge once, I never would have expected that I would do it again! The water sure was cold but I enjoyed the process and hope that this movement brings researchers closer to a cure for ALS.”
Even though the challenge found success through spreading awareness, support for ALS research should not stop until a cure is delivered. We must continue to support the fight against this tragic disease. Through completing the challenge, The Roundup also honored those who have passed away from ALS.
Editor-in-Chief Dominic Iannelli ’15 said, “We were able to honor those who have passed away from the disease, specifically the grandfather of one of our former writers. I’m looking forward to seeing the yearbook staff complete the challenge next week.”
Many have died from this unrelenting disease, and many more will continue to perish until a cure is developed, but for now, we leave it up to the yearbook staff to continue bringing support to this great cause.
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