Making Memories with the ALS Challenge

Yesterday I had 24 hours to complete the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which to date has raised over 40 million dollars for ALS research.  It's not surprising the concept went viral, especially in our industry, where we've got so many people with a "gotcha" mentality...and that's what makes this so much fun.

I loved being called out by good buddy Carlos Zamora. My grandfather died of ALS about eight years before I was born. I remember my Dad telling me stories about how the disease chipped away at his mobility.  My grandfather actually died, during an experimental procedure, in an attempt to slow down the disease.

ALS is only half the point this morning. I've quoted a brilliant marketing/motivational consultant over the years, Ed Foreman. He spoke to a group of us at Polaroid at least thirty years ago. One of my favorite quotes, which I'm sure my memory has modified slightly over the years was...

                          "Life is for laughing, living and loving...not bitching, moaning and complaining!"

After watching dozens of these videos, I decided we needed to beef up the fun factor. Sheila, my wife and my muse, had a great idea to get my Dad involved. Now, add in another opportunity to play with my LUMIX GH3 and you've got all the right ingredients for a memory-maker.

Dad's going to be 92 in October and had the most fun of the day. Second, was Sheila, who you'll hear laughing in the background. And last on the list, I'm still smiling...although unless you're a football coach, you don't realize just how much the shock of ice and cold water can really pack a punch.

 

ALS is a horrible disease and while I'm sure there's been progress over the years in research, it sure doesn't seem like much. It took Donna Blair's life, fifty years after my grandfather died. So, take the challenge, have some fun in the process and when you're ready to make a donation, here's the link.

But I've got my own challenge to all of you...

It's Friday and the weekend is coming up - what are you going to do to make a few standout memories with someone you love?

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