It was a cold day in August for NUHS President Joe Stiefel when he accepted the ALS ice bucket challenge, helping raise funds to help defeat ALS. Earlier, Dr. Stiefel had received an ice bucket challenge from Dr. Randy Cybulski (’09), DC alumnus and owner of P.R.O. Rehab & Sports Chiropractic. The challenge came while Dr. Stiefel was at the Florida Chiropractic Association’s annual convention, so he fulfilled it on his return to the Lombard campus.

Three interns volunteered to pour two pails full of ice water over the head of their esteemed leader, while being recorded on video for posterity. President Stiefel announced that not only would he brave the ice buckets, but that he and his wife would also donate $100 to ALS research.

Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.  The ice bucket challenge has raised over $94 million since July of 2014 to combat this progressive and fatal disease. In addition to research, the ALS Association uses funds for care services to assist people with ALS and their families, and to advocate on behalf of people with ALS in the nation’s capital.

National University faculty, students and leaders often participate in community service and in events that raise awareness for important health concerns. That’s why it’s great to know that two additional faculty will also have an opportunity to show their support for ALS research. Dr. Stiefel has challenged Dr. Theodore Johnson, dean of clinics, and Dr. Daniel Strauss, dean of the College of Professional Studies in Florida, to the ice bucket challenge as well! If these two accept the challenge, we’ll hopefully be able to bring you the videos. Stay tuned and like Facebook page for updates!