#IceBucketChallenge wave grows and why I waited

Steve Addazio finally took the #IceBucketChallenge. He's just the latest high-profile member of the BC Community to take part in the viral sensation. BC didn't start the Challenge, but it caught on among Eagles and has raised plenty of awareness and some money in honor of Pete Frates' battle with ALS.

A.J. challenged me a few days ago. I ignored it mostly because I was travelling and there wasn't a good time or location to pull it off. But I also waited because something didn't feel right. I don't know Pete Frates and I haven't given a penny to his struggle. I knew Dick Kelley well and even from afar, was pained to see how he dealt with ALS. I don't considering dumping ice on myself much of a challenge compared to what anyone with ALS faces. And I know I am not the only one who feels this way. Alex Carpenter tweeted it better than I could:

Instead of just participating in the #IceBucketChallenge let's make sure we are donating to help benefit Pete Frates and #StrikeOutALS!!
— Alex Carpenter (@carpy05) August 7, 2014

I try to avoid telling people what to do with their time or money, but my suggestion is don't let the #icebucketchallenge just be about social media. Give. I don't care if it is to Frates or something ALS related. Give to BC. Give to a local school. Give to a church or hospital. There are thousands of worthy charities out there. Find one that means something to you or your family or your friends. That is how Frates started this. He took the viral challenge and made it his own. Good for him. Now remember that his example is not the ice. It is the money and time. Give what you can. It is what this is all about.

To show that I am not a total party pooper, I did finally take the challenge once I was back in Georgia. I am not challenging anyone specifically. Do whatever you can or want to do, but make sure it is about more than ice. Plenty of good organizations could use your time and money.

What you can do

I've had a couple people email me with ideas on how to help Herzy or wondering if I knew of anything going on with Mark or his Family. I don't. And with their desire for privacy I don't think they will create anything yet. Plus it is too early. I don't think the opportunities and needs surrounding Mark's illness are even their priority. I imagine his health is.

That said, if Herzy's situation has moved you and you want to do something big or small, here are some ideas.

-- Give blood and/or blood platelets. Most major cancer centers have donations opportunities. So should your local Red Cross center.

-- Give to the Flynn Fund. The Flynn Fund is how guys like Mark Herzlich even get a chance to shine and thrive at BC.

-- Give to a cancer center, the American Cancer Society or local hospital. Give in your name. Give in Mark's. It doesn't matter. Your donation will help, especially with non profits struggling in the current economy.

-- Give your time locally. Many BC Alumni chapters groups have been involved in Relay for Life. BC Mike and the Atlanta crew had a good showing just last week at the Atlanta Relay for Life.

-- Give to Penn Health. Based on Mark's statements, it seems like the Philadelphia Health Complex will be where he gets his primary treatment.

-- Give to the Jay Fund Foundation. Different BC player. Different type of cancer. But McGillis and Herzlich embody the good things about BC.

There are hundreds of other things you can do. Post good ideas in the comments section.