ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

As many readers have already seen all over the internet, an awareness challenge presented originally by the ALS Association has spread across the world. Celebrities, politicians, and common folks alike have stepped up to the plate to raise awareness and funds for this awful incurable disease. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement.

The challenge requires the participant to be doused with a bucket of ice and water on video, then the video to be posted to social media or released publicly to raise the awareness. The challenge hits home to many in our community due to the loss of an exceptional citizen, Mrs. Betty Brady, or better known to some as “Mimi.” Mrs. Betty took her last steps just over a year ago and died from this awful disease in January of this year. Mrs. Betty Brady was the mother of Kim McMichael, the Branch Manager at Hamilton State Bank, here in Monticello. Kim has challenged the entire staff at the branch to step up and raise the awareness. The staff has gladly accepted the challenge, in memory of Mrs. Betty, all the employees will tell you that being by Kim and her family’s side during their time of need was truly an honor. The staff has challenged the Bank of Monticello staff, The Monticello News staff, and the staff of First Franklin Financial to start the participation in this challenge.

The Hamilton State Bank employees hope to see the challenge spread across the community while local businesses help raise awareness and funds for a disease with no proven cause and no found cure. Let the challenge begin… Hamilton staff members taking part in the challenge Monday included (left to right) Mrs. McMichael, Janell Wild, JoAnn Tripp, Donna Waller, Mattie Stodghill, Kris Moore, and Justin White.

The Bank of Monticello took the plunge Tuesday, and it’s likely the other challenged groups will have photos taken to be posted in next week’s Monticello News. Donations to ALS may be sent to ALS Association of Georgia, 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 116, Atlanta, GA 30329.