As the wind tears off the icy mountains and whisks its way through the streets of Yass, one lady stands, clenched teeth, soaked with a chilly mixture of freezing water and ice cubes. Jane McNamara from Murrumbateman gasps as onlookers stare in confusion.
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What would posses someone to do something so ridiculous? It's the global phenomenon that went viral in early August to raise awareness of Motor Neuron Disease (MND). From American to Taiwan, it has finally hit the streets of Yass thanks to Jane McNamara and her big heart and freezing cold brain.
"I'm doing it for my best friend Linda Rodger," Jane explains, water dripping from her hair.
"Linda lost three of her family members from MND in a period of seven years. When I heard about the Ice Bucket Challenge I just couldn't say no, I think it's a fabulous way to raise money and make people aware of the disease," Ms McNamara said.
Since the Ice Bucket Challenge went viral in early August, social media outlets have been crowded with videos of people dumping ice on their heads after describing their support for research and treatment of MND. On Friday August 22, 700 Australians took part in the world Record Ice bucket challenge at Etihad stadium in Melbourne.
So what does the Ice Bucket Challenge entail? National Executive Director of MND Australia Carol Birks, described it as quite simple.
"Firstly you fill a bucket with water and ice and tip it over your head. You then challenge three other people to take the Ice Bucket Challenge within 48 hours and if nominees don't take the Ice Bucket Challenge they make a donation to an MND charity. Of course everyone usually does the challenge and donates at the same time."
To date, over $320,000 has been raised for MND research and to support people living with MND in Australia.
"This money has been raised in Australia over a two week period. It's just so wonderful how it has impacted the whole world and that everyone has been involved in one way or another. It really is a heart warming charity and it's moving us all," Ms Birks Said.
"This challenge is a testament to the impact of the disease, it's a silent disease and so this fundraiser has been a unique opportunity."
Linda Rodger, the former Murrumbateman resident and the inspiration for Jane's public display on Monday afternoon, spoke to the Tribune about how MND has impacted her life.
"In 1974, Bill Rodger my uncle died from MND aged 42, then in September 2003 my father Jim Rodger died from the same disease age 73. It was very traumatic for my family. Early 2008 my oldest brother Michael Rodger was diagnosed with MND, in November 2008 my other brother Paul Rodger died from MND age 47. He was diagnosed six weeks before he passed away, leaving behind two children Ashleigh and James. My brother Michael died 18 months after he was diagnosed in March 2010. He was aged 50 and has 3 children, Dene, Georgia and Martine."
Ms Rodger explains that there are three types of MND and that her family has the hereditary gene.
"We still don't know what triggers the gene to manifest into the disease. The doctors say that there is a 99.9 per cent chance that I possess the gene, but a 50 per cent chance of getting the disease," Ms Rodger Said.
"It can be quite scary sometime. I know the symptoms so every tic or twitch I start to panic. The disease has changed my life, not only in the obvious ways, but now I don't hesitate when it comes to doing things that I want to, I just go ahead and do it."
Ms Rodgers explains that there have been positives to come out of these tragedies, "we are able to share our stories with the world, to help raise awareness and the much needed funds to help cure this disease. We are so close to finding the answers and if I can do even a small bit, I know it will help.
"I have watched three of my family members take their last breath. It's a terrifying disease because it attacks your nerves and muscles; it's as if you are trapped in a body that doesn't work anymore. You can't eat or speak, eventually you just can't breathe, you just suffocate," Ms Rodger explains.
"That's why I love this Ice Bucket Challenge, for something so stupid to gain so much awareness and support it has moved me. My mum Mary Rodger who is 81 did the Challenge last Friday, which she loved."
"And my good friend Jane, her husband Matthew and their two children Mitchell and Elsie have been amazing friends to me, so supportive and loving. I am truly blessed to have them in my life."
Jane McNamara has made a public challenge to brother-in-law Deezcel Biskup, boss Andrew Douglas and friend Catrina Hodgkinson, to do the Ice Bucket Challenge and they now have 48 hours to take part.
If you would like to get involved, donations can be made over the phone on 02 9816 5322, more information can be found at www.mndaust.asn.au.
Public figures who have taken the challenge:
George Bush, Rod Harris (CEO, MND Victoria), Janet Nash (Executive Officer Research, MND Australia), Fionnuala Franey (Executive Officer, MND WA), Kevin Russo and Tony Abbott has been challenged.
The Foo Fighters, Cold war Kids, Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck and many more.
