Kids and Adults to Jump Into the Frigid Ocean in Manasquan Saturday

You thought the Ice Bucket Challenge was cold? Well how about a plunge into the Atlantic on a freezing cold day when the temps are only in the teens to benefit one of the worst diseases imaginable?

As the Valentine Plunge Committee puts it: A 'Bucket' is not a challenge...ALS is. Sure it's cold...isn't that the point?

Join the ultimate cold water challenge this Saturday, Feb. 13th, 2016, at the annual Valentines Plunge for ALS.

Plungers collect donations for ALS patients in exchange for plunging into the icy Atlantic Ocean at Noon on Main Beach in Manasquan.

Get a team together, register as an individual, be a spectator, or make a donation.

The Plunge supports Joan Dancy & PALS (People with ALS.) The foundation's mission is to help people in the local communities afflicted with ALS by providing a better quality of life for them and their families.

The Plunge also supports the staytough.fightHARD Foundation, a grassroots non-profit that has goals of educating, fundraising, research, support, and assistance to families and patients struggling with ALS.

Opening ceremonies for the Valentine Plunge will take place at Leggetts, 217 First Avenue, at 11:15 am on Saturday, followed by the plunge. Individuals and teams who would like to plunge can register at Leggetts at the Pre-Plunge party tonight (Feb. 12th) from 6 - 9, and before the Plunge tomorrow (Saturday) from 10:30 am - 11:30 am. The Post-Plunge Party will also be at Leggetts immediately following the plunge.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is many times referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS affects nerve cells in both the spinal cord and brain. This causes motor neurons to degenerate and eventually die, leading to paralysis of arms, legs, and trunk muscles and muscles that control speech, swallowing, and breathing. ALS has no known cause, can happen to anyone at any time, and can cost up to $250,000 a year. Diagnosis of ALS is always terminal since ALS has no cure.