Yesterday, I launched a new fundraising campaign called #whatwouldyougive. I did this because I wanted to create a fundraiser that helped people understand just a bit of what it feels like to be stripped of the basic abilities that ALS takes away. The things that most of us take for granted. The things that I absolutely took for granted until I received an ALS diagnosis when I was 33 years old. I’m 36 now, and even after all I’ve given up, I’m not giving up.

While most fundraisers center around a physical activity that requires ability, this one is about the things ALS takes away. During the week of August 1-8, team members spend a day (or an hour) giving up an ability in an effort to *begin* to understand what life is like for a person with ALS.

Examples: Have someone feed you meals or brush your teeth; type on your phone to communicate. This experience is a fraction of what people with ALS deal with, all day, every day. What would you give in order to live normally again? What would you give to end this disease? Each team member reaches out to their network to raise money around their efforts.

Our team is raising money for ALS TDI, the largest nonprofit biotechnology organization dedicated to developing effective treatments for ALS. With more attention and funding, we can find treatments and an eventual cure for ALS.

Here are a few FAQs to help people better understand the concept and how to get involved. All support is so appreciated!

WHY ALS TDI?

Because they are the world’s largest nonprofit biotech focused 100 percent on ALS research.

Because they understand the urgency that the ALS community is facing.

Because they used their #icebucketchallenge windfall to expand a Precision Medicine program that is currently testing actual drugs against dishes of actual ALS (including mine.)

Because they currently have a drug in the pipeline that CEO Steve Perrin says is the most promising drug they’ve ever tested.

HOW DO I DONATE?

It’s easy—donate here! 

HOW DO I JOIN THE TEAM?

Step 1: Create an account here

Step 2: Join the team here and check out some brief guidelines (be sure to scroll down)

Step 3: Select your challenge and personalize your page. Start fundraising!

DO I HAVE TO JOIN THE TEAM?

I am just physically not strong enough to hold you down and make you sign up. So you are free to donate to the cause or simply send good vibes our way!

 IS THIS A SPEED4SARAH FUNDRAISER?

It is not. All proceeds go to ALS TDI and the #whatwouldyougive campaign will benefit all ALS patients by funding critical research. You don’t have to know me to join the team, and you can join or donate on behalf of anyone suffering from ALS.

CAN I JOIN THE TEAM IF I HAVE ALS?

Yes! We would love to have you on the team, and you don’t need to give up any additional abilities. You give enough every day.

WILL THIS INTERFERE WITH THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE?

Ice Bucket Challenge dollars can go anywhere! If you do the #IBC this year, encourage your network to donate to #whatwouldyougive. We are all working toward the same goal: an end to ALS.

WHAT IF I CAN’T DO THIS AUG 1-8?

Pick a date that works for you. The fundraiser is live now through the end of August.

HOW DO I RAISE MONEY?

Email your network, hit them up on social media, let them know you’re raising money for critical ALS research. Tell them my story, tell them your story, tell them the story of the three little bears, if you want to. Just let them know that we need them to help us make ALS history.

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING RIGHT NOW?

The answer to this question is the same every day. Maxi dress and Uggs. I used to be more interesting.

HAVE YOU SHOWERED LATELY?

I think we’re done with the questions now.

IF YOU HAVE OTHER #WHATWOULDYOUGIVE RELATED QUESTIONS, POST THEM HERE!

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