My Very Personal Connection to the ALS Challenge

You’ve probably seen the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge all over social media and TV. Perhaps you’ve taken it. For me, it had special meaning and a very personal connection. My older brother Martin, a natural athlete, prolific writer, creative thinker, baseball aficionado—and the bravest person I’ve ever known—lost a courageous battle to ALS. So, while I generally shy away from fads, I happily took the challenge and donated money to ALS as well.

By all measures, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been a huge success! While some may criticize it as a gimmick, I think it has much merit. It’s dramatically raised awareness of this dreadful, incurable disease, raised millions in funds for research (as of this morning 15.6 million up from 1.8 for the same time last year) and it gave people a fun and meaningful activity in a summer that’s been filled with wars, droughts, killings and plane crashes!