Pouring cold water on ALS
<p>Incoming freshman Gabe Jackson pours a bucket ice water over his head during the Post Falls High School Trojan’s ALS ice bucket challenge to raise awareness for the disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The Post Falls Trojans challenged Coeur d’Alene High School and Lake City High School to complete the challenge in the next 24 hours.</p>
<p>Post Falls High School sophomore Bradley Noesen, 15, leads off his school's football team's ALS ice bucket challenge on Thursday on the Post Falls High School football field. Noesen dedicated the challenge to his father, Morgan, who has ALS.</p>
<p> Post Falls High School defensive end and tight end Kameron Welker grimaces while dumping ice cold water on himself during his team's ALS ice bucket challenge on Thursday on the Post Falls High School football field. The challenge raises awareness of disease.</p>
POST FALLS - Bradley Noesen walked across the pavement at Post Falls High School, ice water sloshing in the bright orange bucket he carried.
The 15-year-old junior varsity defensive end was one of almost 100 football players who accepted the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge, but for Bradley it's personal, because his dad, Morgan Noesen, has the disease.
"It's nice having everybody come together and raise awareness for this cause," he said. "You know, it's something horrible that's happening that we have to try and get rid of or find something to help it with."
Bradley resembles his dad, from his strong build to his red hair. As he and his teammates hauled bucket after bucket to the middle of the grassy field, his dad leaned on his cane and watched from behind his sunglasses, a grin sometimes appearing on his face.
"As far as these boys, I'm proud as can be that they're willing to come out here and do this in an effort to bring awareness to the disease," Noesen said. "My hope, honestly, is that people will take it a step further. This is a great gesture, but I hope that people will go on the Internet and do a little reading and learn about this disease and learn about how devastating it is."
Bradley and his mom, Joni, organized the event to raise awareness of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease, in conjunction with the football players and coaches. It was their answer to the Ice Bucket Challenge that is sweeping the nation in support of loved ones affected by the disease. And each challenge requires a new challenge: Post Falls football challenged the Coeur d'Alene and Lake City high school football teams to follow suit.
"We're excited. It's for a good cause," Joni said. "We need to bring as much awareness to this horrible illness as we can. I mean, I know pouring ice over your head isn't the end-all be-all, but at least it's putting it out there and letting people in our community know that there are people here in our community that have ALS that are suffering."
When the moment came, the football players, coaches and some family members formed a circle on the lawn. One by one, the bright orange buckets lifted, releasing a rush of chilly ice water onto the brave souls who accepted the challenge. Sounds of momentary shock and laughter could be heard as the domino-effect transpired.
"I feel great," said varsity cornerback and receiver Jayden Gering, 15. "It's kind of cold, but it's worth it; it's for a good cause."
Varsity quarterback Dalton Thompson, 17, was happy to challenge CHS and LCHS. He was also happy to dump ice water on the varsity defense coordinator, Adam Shamion.
"It's a good feeling," Dalton said. "It's exciting because Post Falls is just kind of a family, small-town community, so it's nice when people can come together and be able to do something like this for a great cause."
Many Ice Water Challenge videos, including several posted by celebrities, can be found on YouTube.
Info: www.alsa.org