Ice bucket challenge to make big splash

IN A show of solidarity to increase public awareness, Persatuan Penyakit Motor Neuron Malaysia (MND Malaysia) is gearing up for the “Ok i love U” Ice Bucket Challenge.

MND Malaysia is organising this challenge with ATV News to coincide with its 10th anniversary as well as a decade since the global event kicked off.

The challenge, highlighting the impact of motor neurone disease, is set to take place from 9am to noon on June 29 at Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya in Selangor.

The event will feature a star-studded online presence, with Chinese actress and event ambassador Fan Bing Bing lending her support.

It will also be attended by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, with backing from the Petaling Jaya MP Service Centre.

MND is a devastating terminal illness characterised by the progressive loss of motor functions, leaving patients fully conscious but increasingly unable to move, speak, swallow or breathe independently.

Ultimately, only eye movements remain possible for the patient to communicate.

Event participants can also dip their hands in a pail of icy water.

Despite the disease having claimed 10 million lives, MND remains without a known cause or cure.

According to the World Health Organisation, MND affects one in every 100,000 people.

Patients have an average life expectancy of just two to five years post-diagnosis.

The late British physicist Stephen Hawking was among the most notable individuals who lived with MND.

University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) consultant neurologist Prof Dr Nortina Shahrizalia underscores the critical need for increased awareness and understanding of MND in Malaysia.

“While the ‘2014 global Ice Bucket Challenge’ raised substantial awareness, MND Malaysia did not experience the same surge in attention.

“Deeper public engagement and discussion are essential for driving support and research into this devastating disease,” said Prof Dr Nortina.

This year’s Malaysian challenge aims to amplify public awareness and celebrate the perseverance of those battling MND, to build a stronger support network for patients, their families and caregivers.

Limited-edition T-shirts will be given out to the first 500 people to register.

The event registration fee is RM20 per participant and registration closes at noon on June 28.

To encourage more people to join the event, this year’s participants are to dip their hands into icy water instead of pouring it over their heads.

To join the Ice Bucket Challenge, visit mndmalaysia.org/en_gb/icebucketchallenge2024