Jason Becker Describes The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge As ‘Amazing’

The success of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the viral video phenomenon that has raised more than $94 million towards finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the past month, has not gone unnoticed by its sufferers. In a new interview, former David Lee Roth guitarist Jason Becker, who has lived with ALS since 1989, says that he's overwhelmed by the generosity shown by those who have participated.

“I love it. It is amazing,” Becker told Billboard. “At first I didn’t get it, but man, the awareness and money it has raised is incredible. I hope something great comes out of it for ALS patients.”

Although Becker can not speak or move due to the disease, he can communicate by using his eyes to type out words on a board. He added, “I just can’t thank everyone enough for their support, especially during this ice bucket thing. Man, the love I feel is huge, and John Mayer, I love that guy."

Mayer was challenged by Becker (see above), as was Roth and Eddie Van Halen. Roth reportedly preferred to donate money and Mayer's challenge can be found at Popcrush, but Van Halen has not yet responded. That doesn't matter to Becker, who says that Van Halen helped his family out during a rough financial stretch and gets a free pass.