Xavier Community Participates in ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
On Friday, September 19, a mass of students, faculty, and staff congregated in the Tirelli Quadrangle to watch a select number of teachers participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurogenerative disease that deteriorates the physical capacities of the human body. More commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, ALS has seen increased public awareness since the beginning of the summer, when the Ice Bucket Challenge first went viral across the internet. In the challenge, a bucket of ice water is dumped on participants who are then asked to donate money to the ALS Association and nominate others to do the same.
While many members of the Xavier community have participated in the challenge at various points in recent months, Friday’s event was a widely attended schoolwide gathering that marked the capstone of a weeklong event organized by Ms. Alicia Psillos. Throughout the week, students became more aware of ALS, pledged donations to the ALS Association, and nominated some of their favorite teachers to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Before the Challenge began, French teacher Ms. Cindy Castro related to the crowd her experiences with ALS and the ALS Foundation. She talked about how her husband was diagnosed with ALS when their daughter was a baby, and has since passed away, as well as how the disease slowly affects people. She thanked the ALS foundation for all the services it provides for families, and she asked that all take away something greater from the Ice Bucket Challenge, something more than just its enjoyment value, but to contribute to a greater awareness of the disease and to continue to support research and assistance long after the challenge fades from public memory. She said, “Do [the Ice Bucket Challenge] to make the point that you care. Do it to help those that are suffering and their families, and do it so that someday, a diagnosis of ALS isn’t a death sentence.”
After Ms. Castro's speech, teachers readied themselves for the Ice Bucket Challenge. Many faculty members elected to participate, including Xavier Vice President Mr. Dan Dougherty, who used the opportunity to think of Michael Vollmer, a friend and classmate from Harvard, where he was a defensive lineman, who suffers from ALS. Together, Ms. Castro and Mr. Dougherty helped put actual faces and stories to ALS, a disease that is often suffered in private, away from public sight.
In addition to teacher participation, Xavier Headmaster Mr. Michael LiVigni made an unexpected offer to attending students: if they could collect $200 among themselves to donate to the ALS Association, he would do the challenge in his suit and tie. Thrilled by the prospect, Sons of Xavier came together and raised over $700, $500 more than his initial request. In total, the Xavier community raised over $1,000 to support the ALS Association.
For many, including Campus Ministry Director Ms. Kaija Dewitt, witnessing the outpouring of donations and support was the best part of the event. Ms. Dewitt said, “It was fantastic to see so many students drawing money from their pockets, not just to see Mr. Livigni do the challenge, but also to support a cause that all found worthwhile.”
To donate to the ALS Association, and to better understand the disease and the origins of the Ice Bucket Challenge, please visit the ALS Association website.