By: Sarah Zintel – Ottawa REDBLACKS
The social movement that has people dousing themselves with ice water in support of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has taken the world and the Ottawa REDBLACKS by storm.
“It’s kind of like a wildfire,” said REDBLACKS defensive lineman Moton Hopkins. “A little spark here, a little spark there, it had no choice but to blow up to that extent and that’s the brilliant thing about it.”
ALS is a progressive neuromuscular disease in which nerve cells die and leave voluntary muscles paralyzed. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is raising much needed awareness and funds for the disease. The phenomenon was first started in late July, by former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates who is suffering from ALS.
Long-time Ottawa CFL fans are well aware of the crippling disease. Jim Coode, an all-star offensive lineman with the Rough Riders in the 1970’s, died of ALS in 1987 raising awareness that it could happen to anyone.
The rapid rate that the challenge is shared is the beauty of the movement. Many in the REDBLACKS organization have been nominated by their peers and taken part in the icy shower.
A learning experience for the REDBLACKS
This movement has become a great learning experience for the REDBLACKS. Head Coach Rick Campbell took the time to share a video with his players in the early stages of the movement that provoked open discussion and heightened interest in learning more about ALS.
“Our team watched a video together to see Michael Soles, who I used to play against, Steve Gleason, an NFL safety for the New Orleans Saints, and a lot of different examples of people who went from being amazing athletes to now dealing with this crazy disease that has really affected their lives,” said starting quarterback Henry Burris.
“I didn’t really know much about (ALS) until coach showed a video,” said defensive back Jovon Johnson. “I did some research and it is really touching to know what those people go through. To come down with that disease is not anything that somebody looks forward to in life.”
“I think that it touched everybody and people understand more and more that you should be aware of this disease, because it can happen to anybody.” said linebacker Anton McKenzie.
A disease that affects so many
The video that Campbell shared had a special place in his heart due to his personal connection to Gleason. The former NFL player and Campbell are both from Spokane, Washington where they attended the same school.
“Football is a big deal, but it is important to live every day and be thankful for what we have,” said Campbell as he tried to hide the emotion in his voice.
According to the ALS Canada website, the disease takes the lives of two to three Canadians each day. The deadly disease not only hits close to home for Campbell but also many other REDBLACKS team members.
One player who chose to share his story was REDBLACKS linebacker, Jasper Simmons. His high school friend’s mother was diagnosed with ALS. Their home was one he visited frequently before and after ball games and he said that relationship made it very difficult for him.
“That really hit home for me personally, I felt like I had a relationship with her and knew her enough to be attached to her. It really hurt me to know that she died from that. That is what really got me to do the challenge.”
There is a light at the end of the bucket.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has given hope and support to the thousands of individuals and families who are affected by the deadly disease.
Thanks to the challenge, ALS has become a major topic of discussion for everyone. Hopkins knows all too well how big an effect awareness can have.
“I have a younger brother with autism and over the past decade people now know what autism is but back then people didn’t know, so it was difficult,” said the 27-year-old.
“Not many people know what ALS is, so the fact that I had the opportunity to get the awareness out there and be a part of that is important. I know it’s important to the cause because the more people that know about it, the more people can donate, the more people ask questions and the more research they will push for. Because right now there is no cure, you read about the symptoms and how I affects your body and that’s tough, especially for families.”
After sharing his Ice Bucket Challenge on social media, Hopkins followed up the post by sharing a screenshot of the thank you message for his donation.
“It doesn’t have to be big but I just wanted to show that it’s good to do the video but if you can give whatever you can, that is what is really going to help,” said Hopkins.
According to the Canadian ALS website, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised over 7.5 million dollars reaching and then surpassing their goal with rapid speed since the start of the social movement. They have now set their sights on a new goal of 10 million dollars.
Some of the REDBLACKS that have taken part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge include: Antoine Pruneau, Carlton Mitchell, Dobson Collins, Henry Burris, Joe Eppele, Jon Gott, Jovon Johnson, Khalil Paden, Kierrie Johnson, Marcus Henry, Matt Carter, Reggie Jones, Robin Medeiros, Wallace Miles, Coach Rick Campbell, Receivers Coach Travis Moore, REDBLACKS Cheer and Dance Team, Bernie Ashe, Jeff Hunt, Roger Greenburg, OSEG executive and multiple members of the OSEG staff.
As the phenomenon spreads across the country, the number of people informed about ALS, the amount of money raised, and the number of shivering participants will continue to grow and grow.
Want to do your part and get involved? Go to als.ca to share your ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, make your donation, or sponsor a participant.
