SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Hundreds of thousands of people have taken on the ice bucket challenge to raise awareness and money for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease.

One woman who has lost three of her relatives to the disease said even if people do not donate, the awareness of this viral craze is amazing.

“Doesn’t matter. It’s awareness. It’s fun. Throw a little water on yourself. Have fun," Meghan Olsen said.

This time last year the ALS Association had raised nearly $1.5 million. So far this year they have raised approximately $16 million.

“The ice bucket challenge had been absolutely amazing," Olsen said.
She knows the disease far too well.

“It’s a death sentence. My great grandmother died in 1994. My uncle died in 2005 and another uncle just passed away in May of 2013," said Olsen.

Olsen said it has been tough seeing family members with this disease. Doctors typically give patients with ALS 2-5 years to live.

“To watch your family deteriorate and there is nothing you can do about it - it's hard," said Olsen.

She said it runs in their family, but that is why they have taken the opportunity to raise awareness on their own. They hold the Olsen Family Golf Outing in Fort Wayne every year.

In the last thirteen years, they've raised $100,000.

“Awareness is what’s going to help us find a cure for this disease," Olsen said.

Olsen said even the smallest bit of help can go a long way. Even if that means just throwing a little ice water on your head.

"If you can donate $5, if you can donate $10. Just do it. Help us get this out there," said Olsen.