Hundreds plunge at Manasquan Beach to raise funds for people with ALS
Participants said the icy water is nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by families living with the disease.
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Hundreds of people ran into the frigid Atlantic Ocean on Saturday for the 20th annual Valentine’s Plunge at Manasquan Beach, raising money for people living with ALS.
Organizers say the event has raised more than $5 million over the past two decades, including nearly $447,000 last year.
The plunge began 20 years ago after organizer Jim O’Neill’s brother was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“Twenty years ago, we started the Valentine Plunge when my brother was diagnosed with ALS,” O’Neill said. “He made the first plunge, and he died a year later. So, we’ve kept this going in his honor and in honor of others who have died from ALS.”
Participants said the icy water is nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by families living with the disease.
Many plunged in honor of loved ones. Joe McKeever said he participated for his mother, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2024. Others wore jackets and carried signs remembering family members who have died from the disease.
Funds raised from the event help provide equipment, support services and assistance to families affected by ALS.
Organizers say the mission remains the same: to “jump in and feel the love” while supporting those battling a devastating illness.
