The 2014 Cold Water Challenge has been around the internet for many causes but on April 18th the trending social media topic arrived in NEPA.
Family, Friends, and staff of the Eagle Rock Resort jumped into Susquehanna Lake of Eagle Rock Resort to benefit the Team Sanfilippo Foundation in honor of Ryan Kappes, 9, and Brayden Kappes, 6, both of Weston, PA.
Both brothers have been diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome which is metabolism disorder passed down through families. It makes the body unable to properly break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans.
The syndrome causes significant neurological symptoms, including severe intellectual disability. IQs may be below 50. Most persons with Sanfilippo syndrome live into their teenage years. Some patients live longer, while others with severe forms die at an earlier age.
Currently there is no cure or treatment.
Since the April 18th event, hundreds, if not thousands have braved the cold 45 degrees waters of local swimming holes and braved posting their videos on Facebook/Twitter/Youtube.
The videos work by the brave individual by announcing that the video is their "24 Hour Cold Water Challenge", they then nominate 3 people who have 24 hours to perform the jump as well. They then take the plunge.
Who has and hasn't done the challenge yet?
Below are some videos that were posted to Youtube from our area