Friday, September 19, 2014

The Ice Bucket Challenge by Ray Shay

The Ice Bucket Challenge
By Ray Shay
8.12.14

 

When I got the call this past week about the "Ice Bucket Challenge" my first thoughts were I was too busy,  it sounded dumb, and I didn't really want to participate.
  

That all changed when I returned home later in the day and saw the below video posted by Eric Marenburg who is the Co-Race Director with Pete Hess for our annual Thanksgiving Day, Thank You Run.  The 5K, 10K and Kid's Run benefiting Helen's Closet and the 4S Ranch/Del Sur Foundation.
              
Eric Marenburg Ice Bucket Challenge
The Ice Bucket Challenge

In the video, Eric says, "ALS is a terrible disease...".  I really don't recall what he said next. The few moments it took to turn away from my day to day operations of family and work seemed to open a large black safe of past memories which brought me face to face with Theresa's mom, Helen and her beautiful smile.

With the fond memories also came the brutal recollection of the terrible suffering Helen stoically endured while in the unforgiving grasp of Lou Gehrig's Disease.  I felt the guilt of my own weakness wash over me like the unwanted  bucket of ice water, I was avoiding.   Wow, what a big shot I was. Too darn busy to take about 30 seconds to do something silly or out of my comfort zone which could bring more funding, attention, or send a tiny message of hope to the victims of a progressive disease which is always fatal.

I decided I could do better.  I recall turning to Theresa as we stood in our kitchen and saying, "I'm in on the Ice Bucket Challenge and so are all of our kids.   Let's find a bucket." 

Helen (wearing white jacket) with family.  Her favorite place to be.  

We did not ask our kids.  We just said, "We have to do this for Helen."  Our Ice Bucket Challenge was not perfect. In fact, we had a few problems. I will give you a few pointers:

#1. Do not get an ice bucket the size of a small car.  It can cause you to bump your wife in the head.

#2. Do not overfill your bucket with water.  It is very embarrassing if you have difficulty lifting the bucket over your head. Especially when the event is being recorded.

#3. Keep a keen eye on your youngest children. They are crafty.  They will discreetly pour the water on to the ground, say "whoopsie"  and then quickly run away when they think no one is watching.

                   
Shay Accepted ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Shay's attempt the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

#4.  Always be sure to challenge someone on the video.  I challenged Teddy Lindsey and said hello to Francis who is an incredible man and artist who lives in Texas who is fighting valiantly against ALS.  and is an inspiration to all of us.

Unfortunately, I forgot to challenge my family, friends, past Thank You Run participants, and our EWeekly readers.  So consider this your official challenge to step up and do something great for complete strangers.  If Justin Tmberlake and local good guy and resident, Dan Barnett can do the challenge.  So can you.  We look forward to posting your videos on the Thank You Run website!  

You have 24 hours and the clock is ticking!!!  As the ice water runs down your back think how great it is to be alive and by your actions you are helping so many victims of ALS. 

Have a great week.    

   



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