PETALING JAYA, June 25 — What began as a viral trend in 2014 was, in fact, a noteworthy initiative to support Motor Neurone Disease (MND) patients and fund drug research.
Fast forward to 2024, a decade since the last Ice Bucket Challenge, and Persatuan Penyakit Motor Neuron Malaysia (MND Malaysia) and ATV News have announced the return of the event.
The “OK I Love U” Ice Bucket Challenge will take place from 9.00am to 12pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Padang Timur, Petaling Jaya. Participants are required to bring their own towels, and clean clothing, while bucket and ice will be provided on-site.
To participate, please complete the registration form available at this link. The registration fees are as follows:
- RM20 per normal participant (includes an e-certificate and memento).
- RM10 per student (includes an e-certificate and memento).
- RM50 per normal participant (Includes an e-certificate, memento, and a limited-edition Ice Bucket Challenge 10th anniversary T-shirt).
The registration fees will directly support MND Malaysia’s efforts to assist patients and procure essential medical equipment. Payment can be made by scanning the QR code on the registration form (via TnG or a bank app) or through bank transfer. After payment, participants must upload the proof of payment in the form.
Renowned Chinese actress Fan Bingbing will serve as the event ambassador. Known for her philanthropic spirit, Fan brings her influence to Malaysia to support patients battling this relentless terminal disease.
Additionally, Petaling Jaya Member of Parliament Lee Chean Chung will be the guest of honour at the event, with the Petaling Jaya MP Service Centre (Pusat Khidmat Rakyat Parlimen Petaling Jaya) offering its support to the event.
MND is a terminal illness that sees patients gradually losing control over their movements while remaining fully conscious. Basic functions like speaking, swallowing, and breathing become increasingly difficult, and ultimately, only eye movements remain possible for communication.
Globally, MND has claimed 10 million lives, with no known cause or cure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every 100,000 people are affected by this incurable disease, with an average life expectancy of just two to five years post-diagnosis. The late British physicist Stephen Hawking remains one of the most notable individuals affected by MND.
Prof Dr Nortina Shahrizaila, consultant neurologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), emphasises that while the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge raised significant awareness globally, MND Malaysia did not receive the same level of attention.
She stresses the need for deeper public understanding and discussion of MND in Malaysia.
For more information on the event, please contact the Secretariat at 010-4386726 or visit MND Malaysia’s website.
