Proving they are not afraid of a little ice, cold water being unceremoniously dumped on them, several physicians and friends of Texas Back Institute took the ice bucket challenge bright and early this morning. In doing so, they joined millions of others who are raising awareness about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

This unusual campaign started innocently enough. Former Boston College baseball player, Pete Frates, created the challenge with his family in an effort to spread awareness of ALS, a disease that he has lived with since 2012. The challenge consists of people dropping buckets of ice water over themselves, recording it, sharing the experience to social media, and then nominating others to do the same. Participants are also encouraged to make a donation to ALS research or to the charity of their choice.

ALS Can Mimic Back Injuries and Diseases

The Texas Back Institute has a special reason for participating in this show of solidarity with sufferers of ALS. Because of its symptoms, such as the inability to grasp objects and the loss of some muscle use, ALS can mimic some spine conditions. In most cases, ALS is fatal, whereas most spine injuries can be treated with therapy or surgery.

Plus, many of the Texas Back Institute physicians have had friends or loved ones who have suffered from the disease. For example, Greg Knittel, a favorite high school teacher of Dr. Rey Bosita contracted ALS and passed away and to this day Dr. Bosita still considers him to be one of the most influential people in his life. To hear his thoughts on ALS, watch the video below.

Let the Dunking Begin!

Without any further ado, let’s get to the main event. Shall we? With this video, let it be known that the physicians and staff of Texas Back Institute support struggle of those fighting ALS and urge you to contribute to finding a cure for this disease.