Jean Ludeman, of Welches, took the ice bucket challenge with good humor and a serious desire to raise money for research in the battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Getting donors to make pledges for the research, the national phenomenon has raised more than $80 million. Ludeman did her part, getting doused and picking up more than $600
in contributions.

“It wasn’t too bad,” Ludeman said, even after getting a surprise second
bucket from her husband, Steve Ludeman, while doubling his pledge. “But the
slow pour wasn’t so nice,” she added, noting that Steve had begun with an
excruciating trickle from the bucket.

Jean’s connection to ALS is a personal one. Her former husband, Dennis
Obert, died of the dreaded disease.

Donors are still pouring in, even after the pouring of the ice water, and her
goal is to raise $1,000. In that effort, she has challenged Obert’s daughter
and family in Eugene.

“They’re next,” she said, adding, “I appreciate all the support from everyone.”