Recently on facebook and twitter, thousands of videos have been uploaded of people pouring ice cold water over their heads and bodies. The reason for the funny phenomena–to raise awareness of ALS. Sports players, police officers in Boston, and everyday people are being challenged and are challenging others to participate.

The Ice Bucket Challenge started with former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who was diagnosed with disease in 2012. Wishing to raise funds and advocate for ALS, he with some friends, created the idea since patients with ALS have trouble sensing hot and cold. The challenge became viral when it was shared on social media by the charity Quinn For the Win.

The rules go like this: When someone challenges you to the Ice Bucket Challenge and you fail to step up, you must donate $100 to an ALS charity. If you decide to take the challenge, you challenge 3 people, donate $10, make a video and post online. This keeps the movement growing and allows people from all around the world to participate. I have yet been challenged, but am waiting for the facebook notification any minute now. From my little research on Facebook, I came across a page called Hope4Steve.  I encourage you to check Steve’s story out.

In addition,  please visit http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html to learn more about ALS

#StrikeoutALS #IceBucketChallenge #QuinnForTheWin