The annual ALS Ice Bucket Challenge will return to Empire City in Yonkers on Sunday, Aug. 9, according to a news release.
The challenge — which spread like wildfire across the globe a little over a decade ago — was co-founded by Yonkers native Pat Quinn in 2013.
In the summer of 2014 alone, more than 17 million people took part in the viral social media campaign, which involves dumping a bucket of ice over a person’s head to promote awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Shivering participants typically nominate others on-camera to grab a bucket for themselves, donate money to an ALS charity, or do both. The challenge, which continues to this day, has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in donations towards ALS research and medical advances, according to the release.
“More than 13 years ago, my son started the challenge that changed the world’s understanding of ALS,” said Patrick Quinn, Sr., Quinn’s father, according to the release. “Without the unwavering support from Mayor Mike Spano, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, and community members from Yonkers and beyond.”
Quinn passed away from the disease six years ago. The annual ice bucket challenge in Yonkers honors his legacy and fight to spread awareness of ALS in his hometown and far beyond.
Ice Bucket Challenge event to be held at Yonkers Raceway
The event will take place at the historic Yonkers Raceway at Empire City Casino, where it has been hosted since 2015. Festivities will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and buckets will be dumped at around 1:15 p.m. Over 1,300 pounds of ice is being readied for the event.
“The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has become a powerful symbol of hope, awareness and action in the fight against this devastating disease,” said Spano, according to the release. “I encourage everyone in our community to take part in this year’s challenge — not only to have fun, but to continue shining a light on ALS and support the ongoing search for a cure.”
Participation is free. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online at YonkersNY.gov/IBC.
What is ALS?
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscles to weaken, twitch and waste away. The disease leads to a gradual loss of the ability to move, speak, eat and eventually breathe, according to the ALS association.
Approximately 5,000 individuals are newly diagnosed with ALS across the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There is currently no cure or treatment that halts the progression of the disease. However, campaigns like Quinn’s have helped to fund new treatments that help slow and ease symptoms.
“Every bucket poured, every donation made, every voice raised brings us one step closer to a future without ALS,” said Spano.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: The ice bucket challenge returns to Yonkers. Details on when, where
Reporting by Leia Green, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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By Leia Green, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
