He Hasn't Shaved His Beard In 40 Years, But When He Finally Does? Amazing!

ALS is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It slowly causes muscles in the body to waste away, eventually causing death. The rare disease affects 2 in 100,000 people, according to the Pickard Center for ALS Research. There is no known cure for the illness.

Awareness around the disease rose to prominence in 2014 with the ice bucket challenge. The challenge involved individuals dumping buckets of ice water on their heads and then challenging their friends to do the same. The campaign raised over $100 million, according to TIME.  

But the fundraising hasn't stopped there. Many people continue to hold fundraisers and events for ALS research, including this incredible man. 

Ralph "Boonie" Lethbridge is a local celebrity in his hometown of Clarenville, NL in Canada. 

The Christmas tree seller had been growing his beard for nearly 40 years. His children and grandchildren had never seen him without a beard, but that was all about to change. 

Lethbridge shaved it all off for charity. 

After losing three friends to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, the man decided to start a fundraiser by pledging to shave off his 39-year-old beard. His goal was to raise $5,000, but the support he received exceeded his expectations. 

He raised $51,000 for ALS research...

... and that number is still growing. People are continuing to donate money after hearing Lethbridge's story. He was also named Clarenville's "Sexiest Man Alive." 

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