In 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge, an awareness and fundraising campaign for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) achieved a massive global following. It was started by Pete Frates a patient diagnosed with the condition who, along with his friends started the challenge. It gained significant coverage on traditional media and was all over the internet. Big-name celebrities, politicians, and captains of industry, alongside thousands of individuals throughout the world, took part. By the end of the thirty-day period, the challenge had raised more than $115 million for ALS research.
Today, Pete continues his fight against the disease after being hospitalised due to problems arising from his condition. Support for him continues to pour in from all over the internet. His contributions to ALS awareness and research funding cannot be overstated.
Success of the Ice Bucket Challenge
The amount raised by the Ice Bucket Challenge was able to fully fund numerous research projects on the disease. One of the most notable among these was named Project MinE, a data-driven initiative funded by donations from the Ice Bucket Challenge as well as chapters of the ALS Association. The study resulted in the identification of a gene which was associated with the condition. According to medical experts, this discovery substantially improved the understanding of researchers on the mechanisms of the disease which would eventually lead to improved treatment possibilities for patients suffering from ALS. All of this, starting from a small challenge initiated by Frates and his friends.
One recently developed treatment for the disease comes in the form of Radicava (Edaravone) which was approved by the United States Food and Drug Authority
Another form of treatment for ALS that has gained traction over the years is Stem Cell Therapy. The results of a study published in JAMA Neurology indicated that this treatment had been successful in slowing the progress of ALS in a small patient group. Despite the gains made, the fight against ALS remains an uphill battle. But thanks to the efforts of Pete Frates and the scientists dedicated to understanding the disease, we are coming closer to winning the fight against ALS.
Verita Neuro
Numerous ALS patients
Should you wish to learn more about Stem Cell Treatments, do contact us and our team of Patient Representatives will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
H/T: Fox News Stat News
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