The "Ice Bucket Challenge" has lit social media on fire, raising both money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS, is more than just another chance for folks to flaunt themselves on social media.
The challenge is simple. Participants dump a bucket of ice-cold water over their heads and post the video to social media, challenging three others to either do the same within 24 hours or make a donation to the ALS Association.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
About ALS Association
Established in 1985, The ALS Association is the national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front.
By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.
