Ice Bucket Challenge To Raise ALS Awareness Returns
YONKERS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Ice Bucket Challenge is back.
One year ago, 17 million videos of people dumping ice water over their heads were posted to Facebook to raise money and awareness for ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Everybody from celebrities, to politicians to professional athletes took the challenge. CBS2's Chris Wragge and Mary Calvi also joined in.
The Ice Bucket Challenge Is Back
The videos acquired 10 billion views and $220 million was raised globally for ALS research.
Yonkers native Pat Quinn, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2013, is helping to bring back the Ice Bucket Challenge.
"Every August until a cure because what happened last summer was beyond incredible and we have to keep that momentum going," the 32-year-old said.
Quinn said the money raised last year has jump started ALS research, but they need more because there is no cure.
"Life expectancy is two to five years, so we don't really have the time," Quinn said.
Quinn can no long raise his arms and he walks cautiously, but his smile radiates positive energy because he said he has a lot to be grateful for.
"My family, my friends, I'm married now so I'm not letting this disease stop me," Quinn said. "I have a lot of reasons to fight."
The first ice cubes will fly Friday night at Fenway Park; locally at Empire City Casino on Sunday.
