The national ALS Ice Bucket Challenge made its way to Antioch Community High School, and we accepted the challenge. Many students, staff members and sports teams raised and will continue to raise money for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s Disease. 5,600 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year.

The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and overtime will leave the patient completely paralyzed, which the ice cold water temporarily simulates the feeling. 

The rules for the challenge say that if you do not pour a bucket of ice water over your head within 24 hours of being nominated, you must donate 100 dollars to the ALS cause.

“I think it’s actually really amazing that so many people found out about this charity in such a short amount of time over the internet. They raised so much more money than previous years,” said junior Kaleigh Miller. “The Lake Forest Varsity Field Hockey team nominated us to do the challenge and we did it after our scrimmage game at Kickoff Night on Aug. 22.”

Last summer, the ALS Association raised 2.2 million dollars. This year they overpassed last year’s amount by 50 million dollars.

“I think it’s fantastic that they raised over 50 million dollars and that so many celebrities are partaking in the challenge,” said senior Rebecca Bastuga.

Bastuga and the ACHS Varsity Cheer Team took on the challenge given to them by the ACHS Varsity Football Team on Aug. 21 and nominated Lakes, North Chicago and Vernon Hills Varsity Cheer Teams.

“Donating money to any disease is a good cause and if a lot of people continue to donate, it’ll make a difference” said junior Griffin Hill.

Hill stood by the ACHS Varsity Football team Aug. 21 to raise money for the ALS foundation.
To learn more and to help donate money to find a cure for ALS go to www.alsa.org/donate.