If you are plugged into any kind of social media networking site you my have recently noticed that random people all over the world have been throwing buckets of ice cold water over themselves all in the name of ALS. From Prince to Pauper, it seems that everyone has been taking part in the Ice Bucket Challenge some way or another.
So, what is ALS?
Motor Neurone Disease, also know as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), is a progressive disease that attacks nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is a very serious disease that can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. MND is unpredictable and, in a lot of cases, unexpected. Approximately 15 cases of MND are diagnosed a day. A serious case of MND can leave a person paralysed and take away a huge amount of their independence. People can suddenly struggle to get on with ordinary, taken for granted, everyday tasks by themselves. However, for some people the effects of MND are not as life changing. For some people it can progress very slowly or stop progressing over time. No two cases of MND are the same and it’s unpredictability is one of the reasons it is such a hard disease to control let alone cure.
How will my donation help?
At the moment there is no cure for MND, but there are significant devices and therapies that can manage the symptoms of MND and help people maintain their independence for as long as possible, and even help prolong their survival. A donation could go to helping find a cause for MND, or it could go to research to help find ways to control MND, or it could go to supporting people already struggling with MND. Wherever it goes it is helping people all over the world. It’s unknown cure and unknown cause is what make your donation so vital.
Where can I donate and find out more information about MND?
These two websites are very useful:
http://www.mndassociation.org/
They both promote awareness for and help with MND.
What’s the difference between AlS and MND?
The only difference between ALS and MND is that one is an American term, and one is a British term. Both cover the same umbrella of problems and issue arising for this ongoing disease. They just help from different sides of the ocean.
Thanks to the members of Invergordon Academy, the Motor Neurone Disease Association are one step closer to understanding and controlling Motor Neurone Disease. Recently the Teachers of Invergordon Academy proposed that if the pupils in the school could come together and raise at least £400 they too would participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge. We managed to raise a whopping £423.23 for MND, and a few lucky big tippers were given the honour of engulfing their favourite (or least favourite) teacher in ice cold water. You can relive the joyous, or horrible, experience by following the link below:
https://invergordonacademy.com/2014/08/29/staff-ice-bucket-challenge/
Please keep donating to this worthwhile cause.
Invergordon Academy 