Controversy definitely surrounds the topic of the ALS ice bucket challenge, but one thing is for sure: it is now extremely difficult to find someone who hasn’t heard of ALS. Because of all of the recent attention being drawn to the disease, $100 million have already been raised to support the Pete Frates Fund, the organization in charge of finding a cure, as there still is not one at this time.
ALS- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease- is the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This affects the motor neurons that feed to the rest of the body, therefore, while the body deteriorates, the mind remains sharp. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is only three to five years.
The publics’ eyes are being opened to the unfortunate fate of those that end up suffering from this disease, which is providing a wave of support and awareness from the public that is washing over countless countries worldwide like an enormous tsunami.
The overwhelming response from the public is an amazing thing and is proving that when people come together for a common cause, it can have an incredible affect on the situation. Because of the ice bucket challenge that is plaguing social media, people are joining together in a unique, fun way by pouring buckets of freezing ice water over their heads.
Although some choose to bypass making a donation, their videos are still being posted, and the word is still being spread around the world. However, the topic of those who are challenged but do not donate, or even refuse to do the video all together, is something that is continually discussed.
Some believe that it is unfair or rude to pass up the challenge, but ultimately, deciding not to complete the challenge is doing no harm to anyone.
So, even though filming yourself dumping a bucket of frigid water over your head may seem pretty ridiculous, by participating, a difference is being made in the lives of those that have suffered from ALS.
And who knows? This movement may be just the beginning of something huge, where we, as the public, realize that every little donation or post matters. One person alone might not make much of an impact, but a large group who believes strongly in a cause truly does have the power to change the world.
