Story by: Alex Asbury
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, has found a new way to fundraise. This strategy is a little thing called the ALS ice bucket challenge.
The ALS ice bucket challenge requires taking a video of yourself whilst dumping a bucket of ice and water over your head. Then, one hashtags “ALSIceBucketChallenge” and posts that video on any social media site while nominating others to do the same.
The challenge has spread the word of ALS and its effects to those who had no knowledge of the disease. Sophomore Samantha Carter said she was one of many who found out what ALS was by the challenge.
“I think it’s better to put it out there instead of expecting them to find it themselves. Once again I had no idea what ALS was until the video’s began,” said Carter.
When it comes to spreading the word about a disease, Carter said it seems ALS has done its job. Compared to traditional fundraising methods where you hear about their cause every so often, the ice bucket challenges can be seen at anytime and are enjoyable for viewers.
“People are more prone to watching a video, because people are always on the internet,” said Sophomore Brittney Yearby.
Through these videos tons of viewers have seen them as entertainment, a source of laughter, and an effective way to spread the word.
“I thought it was a really cool idea to raise awareness,” said Yearby.
Carter said that the novelty of the idea drew her in. “Well when I first saw the video is was when my uncle did it and I laughed really hard.”
While it might be a serious matter, Junior Jacob Dahm said “people have a little bit of fun.”
