Raising four children is no easy task, believe me. My beautiful wife and I always felt it was important to foster the charitable side of our children by volunteering at the food bank, cleaning up local waterways, and other activities we could do as a family. To be clear, that is why my family did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
“It is amazing to me to think that a little bit of water and ice could lead to a cure to ALS” EDA veteran Rob Chadwick who was diagnosed with ALS in 2007.
Most of the email I have received about the EDA Ice Bucket Challenge thus far has been positive but there will always be negatives out there and that is just something I have learned to live with. When I posted the first blog I had no idea if any of the people I challenged would actually do it so I slipped in a ringer, Mike Gianfagna, because I knew he would. Mike has a big heart and a great sense of humor and he did not disappoint. Mike also made a generous donation to ALS:
Mobile: www.semiwiki.com/forum/files/Videos/MikeGIceBucketChallenge.mp4
The second challenge video I received was from Mentor’s Brian Derrick and it actually brought tears to my eyes. Knowing how my daughter felt about being part of my challenge I can only imagine how this man’s children felt being part of Brian’s:
Mobile:www.semiwiki.com/forum/files/Videos/ALSIceBucketChallengeMobile.m4v
Rob Chadwick is one of our own. He worked for Mentor Graphics up until his ALS diagnosis in 2007. Just so you know, ALS results in paralysis and death via respiratory failure usually within five years of diagnosis. My goal in life is to see my grandchildren through college which will bring me into my 80s. Rob’s goal is to see his children through high school which brings him to about 50. You can read his story HERE and if you do decide to donate please use the link on that page so we can see the donations grow. They are about halfway to their financial goal of $68,000 so each and every one of us can make a difference here, absolutely.
If you want to be an active part of this amazing effort do not wait to be challenged, challenge yourself and challenge others! I will publish all videos sent to me on SemiWiki and will continue to do my best to get the word out for Rob and his family.
Also Read: EDA Ice Bucket Challenge!
The Community of Hope is an online community of tribute funds created by ALS advocates who want to establish a lasting legacy in honor or memory of someone special’s battle with the disease. Tribute fund webpages are fully customizable, allowing you to set a fundraising goal and track your progress; upload the story of your ALS connection, including photos and video; and continually engage your network by communicating through email, social media, and your very own Community of Hope blog! It’s quick and easy to get started, and we’re here to help every step of the way! For more information about the Community of Hope and The ALS Association, check out the ALS Resource Center today.
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Next Generation of Systems Design at Siemens