The ALS #IceBucketChallenge
Well, I knew it would happen, eventually. I was nominated to take the #IceBucketChallenge a few days ago. I also donated to The ALS Association and created my video.
The #alsicebucketchallenge isn’t just for fun and games – it is to raise awareness and encourage others to donate to the cause. Let’s #strikeoutals together!
I’ve seen a lot of disturbing discussion on the ALS Challenge. A lot. People are complaining about it and cracking jokes. The truth is, there’s nothing funny about ALS even if some of the videos will make you laugh. There is one complaint that I do happen to agree with – that some people are doing the challenge for little more than self publicity and pats on the back. Cool – you just got iced! Great. Now what?
But, for everyone doing the #IceBucketChallenge wrong, there are thousands doing it right. Using the hashtags, including links to an ALS organization such as the ALSA and encouraging others to learn more about ALS, to donate and to help spread awareness to the cause. It’s working! As of today donations directly related to the #IceBucketChallenge have exceed $41 million dollars!
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The One #IceBucketChallenge Video You Must Watch. Seriously. Watch it.
And, if you are interested, my #IceBucketChallenge Video is here. And, Mr ButeauFull Chaos’ #IceBucketChallenge Video is here. Feel free to check them out!
Learn More About ALS & The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. As the preeminent ALS organization, The Association leads the way in research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — giving help and hope to those facing the disease. The Association’s nationwide network of chapters provides comprehensive patient services and support to the ALS community. The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.
Quick Facts about ALS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them. Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert.
- Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. Annually, ALS is responsible for two deaths per 100,000 people.
- The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from time of diagnosis. With recent advances in research and improved medical care, many patients are living longer, more productive lives. Half of all those affected live at least three years or more after diagnosis. About 20 percent live five years or more, and up to ten percent will survive more than ten years.
- ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. ALS can strike anyone. Every single American is threatened by this disease.
Visit http://www.alsa.org/ for more information!
Have you taken the #IceBucketChallenge ?
Thanks for this informative post! I think it’s a great way to raise money and awareness.
Thank you , Melissa! I couldn’t agree more! Plus it IS fun – that’s just secondary to the truly serious disease that ALS is.
I don’t dislike the ice bucket challenge – I dislike the peer pressure into doing it.
I can agree that the peer pressure can be a bit intense. But, in my experience the challenges where done in good fun rather than as an intimidation. Sadly I know that isn’t the case all the way around.
I agree. It seems like if you don’t do it, you’re some sort of heartless person.
I have to agree with Robin on this one. For someone like me who suffers from osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, dumping a bucket of ice water on my head is going to cause my body extreme pain. So, if someone calls me out and I pass , I have to pay $100. Yeah, that doesn’t make me happy as I don’t have $100 to give and I don’t like that it makes me seem heartless. I feel like posting it on social media is peer pressure.
I don’t have a problem with the ice challenge. I think it’s a wonderful way to bring ALS to light, i just personally wouldn’t do it myself.
I have friends who are affected by ALS (family members are suffering from it.) Their opinions have been mixed on this challenge. Whatever the “side”, I think the organization has definitely gotten their point across! I hope they are receiving a ton of donations.
Yep! As of this morning they’ve received more than $41 million in donations. They are tracking donations from the Challenge as when I donated I had to answer whether or not I participated. Last year they received under $2 million during the same 7/29-8/19 time period.
I watched that guys video earlier today and was a big sobby mess. I don’t know anyone personally affected with ALS but I know it is devastating.
I literally cried my eyes out then started writing this post immediately after!
I totally understand the point of the Ice Bucket Challenge but won’t do it. Social Media is saturated with videos. I’d rather just give without needing the recognition online
I think the Ice Bucket Challenge is a great way to raise awareness and money at the same time. I love seeing the videos.
My husband participated this week. My sister in law nominated me, too.
I’ve seen a lot of posts about this on Facebook. Sounds like a great cause!
I agree that the challenge is great because it’s raising awareness and money. But I’ve seen people really pressuring and bugging others about whether they’ll participate. :/
I love all the attention ALS is getting from this. It’s a terrible, terrible condition.
It is great that this challenge is getting a lot of attention and money from this challenge. If nothing else, people are talking about ALS all over and that is a good thing.
Yes, I watched it to the end! He actually had all of the information in his video on where to donate, which is awesome. I haven’t seen that once on my newsfeed!!
Congrats on doing the challenge correctly. Some people don’t even donate.
I’m so impressed by how far this has spread. All the celebs doing it(Julie Chen did it live during Big Brother last night). I think it’s amazing that it’s raising money and awareness for a cause that previously you didn’t hear much about.
I think anytime you can bring awareness and raise money for a cause is a good thing. I haven’t personally taken the challenge but I think it’s a great idea.
I LOVE this! I think no matter how silly the video is, if it is spreading the word and getting money where it needs to be then you are doing something right! Thanks for helping get the word out there!
I have seen several of these videos and this is the first time I have seen anyone mention how to donate. I think more than will admit just did them for the popularity.
All my kids have done this. Their fathers mom had ALS. Great all the awareness that this is doing.,
What a great post. Thanks for bring attention to a great cause.
I haven’t been nominated yet, but I am going to donate anyway! I think it is a fabulous cause and I love that video. The young man is quote strong and I hope he has a bright future.
I think the publicity for this organization has been amazing. I love watching the videos!
This campaign has certainly driven money for the cause, hasn’t it? I hope it does a lot of good!
I’ve been sharing statistics, donation amounts and videos from members of the ALS community left and right to people who are sick of seeing the ice bucket challenge. Personally, I think it’s incredible and I hope they continue their roll.
I think it’s great that they’ve made so much money. I’m impressed and hope others are able to find something to go viral and find cures too.
I think anything that helps raise awareness is a great thing. I don’t understand how people can be so upset about something that’s for charity.
Nothing funny at all. We donate annually to ALS due to our best friends mother passing away from the disease a few year back. While we were nominated for the challenge by this friend, we completed it AND donated. I also didn’t feel the need to post and publicize my challenge.
I actually thought it was silly until I watched that video a couple of days ago. But like you said, A LOT of people are doing the challenge wrong and that is what annoys people. They just see people being stupid and getting water dumped on them. If enough of their friends are doing that in the videos then that’s all they know and think the entire thing is stupid. Not enough people are doing the challenge correct to make people aware of the facts
I did the challenge and I donated as well. I know a lot of people who weren’t too thrilled about doing it and that is okay. It’s not about forcing anyone to do something they don’t want to do. I think the important thing is bringing awareness to this degenerative disease.
I think this is a great way to promote a great charity. I think people can do both, but make sure to donate!
great information! nice to knw all the deatils!
This is a really informative post. I took the challenge and donated this weekend.