Petaling Jaya, 20 Jun 2024 – The invigorating chill of ice water cascading over your head, sending shivers all over — who could forget the Ice Bucket Challenge that captivated the internet in 2014? This viral sensation was more than just a trend; it was a powerful movement to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), support patients and fund research.
Fast forward to 2024, Persatuan Penyakit Motor Neuron Malaysia (MND Malaysia), a non-profit organization supporting the local MND community, has collaborated with Asia TV News to revive this significant initiative.
In support of those facing the disease, the “OK i love U” Ice Bucket Challenge is open to all members of the public.
Event Details:
How to Participate: Participants should bring their own towels, and clean clothing. Buckets and ice will be provided on-site. To join, they can complete the registration form available here and pay the registration fee:
All proceeds from the registration fees will support MND Malaysia’s efforts to assist patients and procure essential medical equipment. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on the registration form or through bank transfer. Participants need to upload proof of payment in the form.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung will be one of the Guests of Honour, with the Petaling Jaya MP Service Centre (Pusat Khidmat Rakyat Parlimen Petaling Jaya) offering their support to the event. Additionally, renowned Chinese actress Fan Bingbing will serve as the event ambassador. While she will not be physically present, she hopes to inspire widespread participation through her online presence.
Motor neurone disease remains a devastating illness with no known cure. It affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive muscle weakness. Patients gradually lose control over their movements while remaining fully conscious. According to the WHO, one in every 100,000 people is affected by MND, with an average life expectancy of 2 to 5 years post-diagnosis. The late British physicist Stephen Hawking remains one of the most notable individuals affected by MND.
Professor Dr. Nortina Shahrizaila, Consultant Neurologist at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), stated that while the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge raised significant awareness globally, MND Malaysia did not receive the same level of attention. She emphasized the need for deeper public understanding and discussion of MND in Malaysia.
Let’s unite and demonstrate our care and concern for the MND Community.
For more information on the event, please contact the Secretariat at 010-4386726 or visit their website at https://mndmalaysia.org/en_gb/icebucketchallenge2024/.
