Today’s blogger is Tony Safoian, Chief Executive Officer at SADA Systems.
As CEO of SADA Systems, I am proud to support and raise awareness for the ALS cause by accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge.
ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuromuscular disease that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing patients to lose control of muscle movements. There is no known cure, and the disease can cause paralysis and death within two to five years. An estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. suffer from ALS.
To raise awareness for ALS, hundreds of celebrities, CEO’s, politicians, athletes, and influencers around the world have taken the selfless challenge of dumping an entire bucket of ice-cold water on their heads and calling out others to do the same. Those who are called out have 24 hours to complete the challenge, or they must donate to ALS. Many have done both.
Several tech giants have participated, including our key partners – Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The now-viral Ice Bucket Challenge was started a few weeks ago by the family of Pete Frates, a former Division I baseball player who has struggled with ALS for two years. The movement has made an enormous impact on the ALS cause. As of August 18th, donations to the ALS Association have reached $15.6 million since the campaign went viral on July 29th, as opposed to the $1.8 million they were given during the same period last year. According to Barbara Newhouse, CEO of the ALS Association, “We have never seen anything like this in the history of the disease. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the level of compassion, generosity and sense of humor that people are exhibiting as they take part in this impactful viral initiative.”
Along with the rest of the team here at SADA Systems, I would like to join the many who are fighting for research and treatment for this disease by taking the Ice Bucket Challenge and spreading awareness for ALS. Join me by sharing and donating.
I would like to challenge Jenni Flinders of Microsoft and Adam Massey of Google. @Jenni_Flinders and @criticalmassey, will you take the ALS #IceBucketChallenge? You have 24 hours!
SADA Systems, a Premium Google Apps partner as well as Gold Certified Microsoft Partner, would like to further support the ALS cause through both the spreading of ALS awareness and a monetary donation. For every Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or Linkedin share of this video in the next 24-hours, SADA Systems will donate $2 to the ALS Association. Use the social media sharing links above to raise awareness and funds!
