Students and staff from Griffith’sEskitis Institute for Drug Discoveryhave thrown more than just caution to the wind by taking part in theIceBucketChallenge.
The challenge, which has become a global phenomenon, raises awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) research.
“The water was absolutely freezing and sent a shock through my entire body!” said PhD student Chelsie Rohrscheib.
“But a few minutes of discomfort is nothing compared to the lifetime of pain ALS patients and their families go through, so it was totally worth getting drenched with ice water to raise money for ALS research. “
The team effort has raised about $500 already with additional donations still coming in.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Among the participants was Dr Michael Weible, a neuroscientist and lecturer of neuroscience.
“As researchers, we are very aware of how difficult it can be to get funding for important medical research,” said Chelsie.
“We want to use this event to bring attention to ALS, but also to highlight the need for more scientific funding.”
Director of the Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery,Professor Ronald J Quinn AM, was delighted his team was prepared to get cold and wet for a good cause.
“It is great to see our students and staff getting involved in the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS research,” said Professor Quinn.
“The Eskitis Institute’s Nature Bank is a valuable source of potential new drug treatments and it is our aim to use nature’s armoury against as many diseases as possible.”
The Ice Bucket Challenge was taken up by the Eskitis Institute after being nominated by student researchers at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, in the USA.