A new fundraising challenge is sweeping all social media platforms once again for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), first reported Mom.me. Back in 2014, the ice bucket challenge was a wild success, being one of the biggest fundraising ventures ever. Now, Patty Haberstroh, a mother and grandmother, recently started the new challenge as she just faced the devastating diagnosis herself.
ALS was once known to be underfunded and lacking awareness, but now many people know about the disease since the hugely successful challenge in 2014. For those who need a refresher, ASL is an aggressive motor-neuron disorder that deteriorates muscles, eventually affected the patients’ every day ability to function. As it progresses, many need a constant caretaker as it begins to affect their ability to walk, eat, talk and even breathe. 12,000-15,000 people in the US are diagnosed with the disease and once diagnosed, they usually have only 2-5 years.
Patty is known to be a go-getter and advocate for many. She already spends much of her days fundraising and campaigning to bring about change for those who need it. When the holidays come around, she organizes a gift drive, when the school year starts, she develops a program to get students the supplies they need. Her son, Tom, also made sure to mention that she is the loudest cheerleader at any basketball game. Definitely a great quality!
With the development of the hot pepper challenge, Patty hopes to raise $50,000 for ALS continued research. She wants to reach the goal in 90 days and take the earnings to ALS Therapy Development Institute. The hot pepper challenge, similar to the ice bucket, encourages people to take a video of themselves eating a HOT pepper and challenge at least three friends to do so. The friends either have to do the challenge, donate OR do both. Many often have fun with it and do both!
Already, they have raised 77% of their goal and are still going strong. Celebrities like Shaq have already jumped on the cause, completing and promoting the challenge. Patty believes a true cure is out there. Why can’t we find it now?
