Valentine Plunge

07/28/2026

Since passage in December 2021, the ACT for ALS has:

- Supported approximately 750 community members with ALS through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ALS Expanded Access program in receiving investigational treatments and equipped clinics nationwide to participate in ALS research.

- Created public-private partnerships that have already delivered advancements in understanding the natural history and progression of ALS as well as the development of new drug development approaches in ALS in other neurodegenerative diseases.

- Provided over $20 million in FDA grants for rare neurodegenerative disease research and commissioned a regulatory action plan from FDA to chart the way forward.

Without congressional action, ACT for ALS programs will expire on October 1, 2026, threatening the progress made through the law so far.

Urge your lawmakers today! https://www.votervoice.net/MDA/Campaigns/136512/Respond

07/22/2026

The "B" team; but the A team in our hearts.

07/13/2026

ICYMI: We applaud former NFL running back Chris Johnson helping drive awareness of ALS and the impact it has on families. We hope this can drive additional research and shine the spotlight brighter on those living with ALS.

Catch up on the full story from ESPN:

Former Titans and Cardinals running back Chris Johnson told "Good Morning America" that he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025.

05/14/2026

Hey you - save the date for next year’s plunge. 😉

04/27/2026

ICYMI: Elon Musk's Neuralink shared their latest technology update in a touching video.

Kenneth was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2024. As speaking became progressively harder, even short conversations with his wife were tiring, and everyday tasks like phone calls were nearly impossible.

When he learned about Neuralink, he discovered that brain-computer interfaces have the potential to restore communication by translating thought into speech. Now, as a participant in Neuralink’s VOICE clinical trial, he is pioneering technology that could give voices back to those who have lost them.

16K likes, 1.2K comments. "Translating Thought To Speech | Neuralink"

04/17/2026

The boys plunge hard. 🪠

04/13/2026

Big thank you to News 12 New Jersey for covering this year's event.

"Twenty years ago, we started the Valentine Plunge when my brother was diagnosed with ALS,” O’Neill said. “He made the first plunge, and he died a year later. So, we’ve kept this going in his honor and in honor of others who have died from ALS.”

Participants said the icy water is nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by families living with the disease.

04/08/2026

Still basking in the glory from this year’s epic 20th run! 🏃