More than 300 million dollars, or 277 million euros: this is the sum raised by the Ice Bucket Challenge during the summer of 2014. The majority was used to fund research.
Liters of water were spilled for a good cause in the summer of 2014. The Ice Bucket Challenge, launched by the American association for the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), raised 300 million dollars ( 277 million euros). One year later, the association takes stock of the use of these donations with an interactive infographic.
A bucket of ice water that mimics the symptoms of Charcot’s disease: this is the principle of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Throughout the month of August 2014, millions of people played the game. And they didn’t just pour water over their heads, they also gave money to the association. origin of this challenge. In the United States alone, $ 115 million has been raised.
Source: ALS Association
58 projects funded
Two-thirds of the donations are intended for research into an effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Much work is devoted to understanding the development of the disease and developing clinical models. But the association does not rule out discovering the genes in question, the biomarkers of the disease… or setting up clinical trials. In total, 58 research projects were selected by the Medical Committee.
“The worldwide surge of support that we have seen since the Ice Bucket Challenge has offered the association an unprecedented opportunity to move forward on all fronts of Charcot’s disease,” says Lucie Bruijn, Chief Physician of the ALS association. . This new funding is aimed at some of the most promising research carried out by the world’s leading scientists. “
150,000 euros in France
In addition to research, donations directly benefit patients. No less than 23 million dollars have been paid to patients – to help them buy the necessary equipment (canes, chairs, etc.) – and to the teams of caregivers who take care of them. In the same idea, 10 million dollars are intended to train doctors in the disease and to educate the general public.
In France, the mobilization was less, but still appreciable. The Association for Research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ARSLA) raised 150,000 euros thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge. Those who did not donate at the time will be able to make up for it this year: the association is organizing a giant Ice Bucket Challenge Republic Square this July 30.
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