8/20/14 - Itâs a social media trend that some are beginning to tire of, but one Howell man says he wants to see more Ice Bucket Challenges. The challenge, in which people record themselves pouring ice cold water on their heads, is meant as a fundraising opportunity for the ALS Association. The disease is a fatal neuromuscular disorder that eventually paralyzes its victims robbing them of the ability to walk and talk and eventually even swallow or breathe without assistance. No one knows that better than Nick Barnowski of Howell, whose father died of the disease in 2012 less than two years after being diagnosed. He says he understands why people may think the Ice Bucket Challenge is nothing more than an irritating fad, but from his perspective it is creating awareness of the disease where none existed before. Barnowski says while some of those taking the challenge are doing it to avoid making a donation, there can be no doubt that most people are following through financially. Statistics from the ALS Association show that between July 29th and August 20th, $31,5 million in donations were made. That compares to just $1.9 million during the same time period last year. Barnowski says he has hope that one day there will be a cure for ALS and that perhaps everyone who posted a video of themselves pouring water on their head can say they played a part in defeating the disease. (JK)
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