Meeting the Ice Bucket Mom – So Inspiring!
Ok…so I just got a selfie-stick for my birthday last month and I am still learning. At CASE V in Chicago last week, we could have taken more shots. But we just wanted to talk. I wanted to hug her and tell her that I got it now…that I was exploding with this amazing energy you get when you’re around someone who is “All In.” Someone who is clear; has made a choice; and is standing in her power.
We were two Moms – sharing the joy and pain of so completely loving our kids.
This is Nancy Frates…Mom of Pete Frates…inspiration of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. She goes home to her still-living son – now with a ventilator and speech generating device and giving his 14-month old baby a ride on his electric wheel-chair – and celebrates the day.
Pete’s charge to his family, “All right people, there’s not going to be any wallowing. What an opportunity we’ve been given to change the world. I’m not going to ask, ‘Why me?’ I’m saying, ‘Why NOT me?” Her message – “Leadership, vision, courage and a little luck can change the world. We knew if we stayed in awareness that the money would follow.” And as someone who felt, “This is all such a gimmick,” I was totally awestruck by how this family laser-focused on creating awareness, educating, thanking and sharing. “We set out to have everyone hear this story.”
She’s not really sure who dumped the first bucket…some golfer in Florida who had a friend with ALS..and then sent it to a friend…who’s wife repeated the trick and sent it out of Facebook….where it took off…globally…17 million views in less than 4 weeks. $250 million dollars. 40% checked the box asking to be kept in the loop. 55% of the funds came from 18-30 year-olds, “What is ALS?” remains one of the largest Google hits. ALS has a new “normal.”
This money invested in the brightest science minds has yet to produce even a start to a new drug. Every 90 minutes someone new is diagnosed with the 3-5 year death sentence. The numerous proteins in our bodies that morph to bring on this disease remain largely understood. But the spotlight will continue to shine on this disease until there is a breakthrough – hope remains.
During this holiday season, and onward….
- Refuse to be a victim – Say, “I Create my Life!”
- We all have challenges – live everyday
- Be…whatever that is for you… and own it in your biggest power
- Sing holiday carols, Here Comes Santa Clause, People love to give me money, or whatever is happy and bright
- Be grateful for every dime you are given
- Tell your story, tell your story authentically
- Ask others to join you and ask them to ask others to join you
- Thank everyone for being a part of your success
- Everyday be quiet. Just sit and be quiet
- Feel the fear, the uncertainty and take action anyway
- Embrace a BIG vision for your year-end and beyond. People will step up to fill it.
- Be passionate without being dramatic
- Don’t judge – your donor’s decisions, your family, yourself
- Be genuine but don’t ever be afraid to be great
- Stay up late if you have to…to stay in touch
- Stop looking at your phone – you’re missing your life
- Be still and listen to the snow fall…even if it is only in your dreams
Enjoy the love and laughter that only family and friends can bring. Thank you for growing and learning with me. And thank you for creating so much good in the world!
