Senior Macie Sefrit partakes in the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, ALS causes loss of control in muscles. As the disease progresses, people with ALS lose their ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe. Around 32,000 people in the USA have ALS.
Tau Sigma Zeta hosted its first carnival balloon-popping event to raise awareness for ALS, and they plan to host more events for ALS awareness in the future. Winners of the balloon-popping contest also got to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge. The challenge went viral in 2014, leading to increased awareness and donations; this year marks the tenth anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
The funds from the event went to the ALS Association in Nebraska. The association strives to provide patients and families with the tools and support they need, free of charge. They offer support groups and are dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for ALS.
The group chose to raise money for ALS because of the deep connection one of the brothers has to the disease. One of the member’s mothers passed away from ALS. The passing profoundly impacted Tau Sigma Zeta and the group was determined to honor her memory in a meaningful way.
“For Tau Sigma Zeta, raising awareness for ALS means turning pain into purpose. It’s a way to support our brother and countless others affected by this devastating disease,” junior Benjamin Miller, the Philanthropy Chair, said.
