Ice Bucket Challenge: Did It Lead to an ALS Breakthrough?
Remember back in 2014 when everyone was dumping buckets full of freezing cold water on their heads? At first, no one knew what the heck was going on, including myself. Many disregarded it as simply the latest social media trend, but more and more videos kept showing up and people started asking questions, trying to learn what this ice bucket challenge was all about, a crusade championed by former Boston College baseball player Pete Fredes.
The Ice Bucket Challenge
What we soon discovered was that people were taking part in a viral challenge to help beat ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and disrupts people’s lives by causing muscles to atrophy and voluntary muscle control to be affected. The end result is the loss of motor control, the ability to eat or speak, and eventually causes the body to no longer be able to breathe on its own. Ultimately, ALS takes the life of its victims.
The Ice Bucket Challenge, taking full advantage of the power of social media, yielded more than $220 million worldwide in donations to help find a cure.
Statistics show that around 1 in every 400 people will be diagnosed with ALS and the life expectancy once diagnosed is anywhere from 2 to 5 years. Researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure or even a form of treatment that can help minimize the effects of the disease. Around 90% of the population that is battling this disease does not have anyone in their family who also has ALS. Only 10% of the cases were attributed to genetics.
It was because of our help, that researchers were able to take the money raised and get down to business in trying to find a cure. While that cure is still out there somewhere, researchers were able to take some of those funds, using them to find a new gene. A breakthrough. A step in the right direction in understanding more about this disease and finding a cure. Donations funded the largest study ever done on ALS which pulled in researchers from 11 countries.
What Are the Rules of the Ice Bucket Challenge?
While there are no strict “official” rules, the general concept involves participants recording a video of themselves being doused with a bucket of ice water and then challenging others to do the same within a certain time frame. Here’s a general outline of how the ice bucket challenge typically works:
- Prepare for the Challenge:
- Fill a bucket with ice water. You can add ice cubes to cold water to make it colder.
- Record a Video:
- Record a short video in which you explain that you’re participating in the ice bucket challenge to raise awareness for ALS.
- You can share why the cause is important to you and provide a brief overview of ALS.
- State that you are about to pour the ice water over yourself as part of the ice bucket challenge.
- Perform the Challenge:
- Hold the bucket of ice water over your head.
- Either have someone else pour the water over you, or you can do it yourself.
- Make sure the video captures the moment when the water is poured over you.
- Challenge Others:
- After completing the challenge, nominate (or challenge) a specific number of people to also participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge within a certain time frame (usually 24 hours or a week).
- Mention the names of the individuals you’re challenging in your video. You can challenge friends, family, colleagues, or celebrities to do the ice bucket challenge.
- Let them know that if they accept the ice bucket challenge, they should do the same steps you did—record a video, perform the challenge, and challenge others.
- Spread Awareness and Donate:
- Encourage your viewers to share the video on social media to help spread awareness about ALS.
- Emphasize the importance of making a donation to ALS-related organizations. While the ice bucket challenge itself raises awareness, the ultimate goal is to support research and patient care for ALS.
- Post and Tag:
- Upload the video of you doing the ice bucket challenge to your social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).
- Use hashtags like #IceBucketChallenge and #StrikeOutALS to help the challenge gain visibility.
- Tag the people you’re challenging for the ice bucket challenge, and mention the organizations you’re supporting with your donation.
Is the Ice Bucket Challenge Dangerous?
The ice bucket challenge itself, when done properly, is not inherently dangerous. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Temperature of Water: While using ice water can be uncomfortable and shocking, it’s important to avoid using extremely cold water that could potentially lead to cold-related injuries or shock. Using cold water from a refrigerator or cool tap is usually safe when completing the ice bucket challenge.
- Health Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or respiratory issues, should be cautious about exposing themselves to sudden cold temperatures or shock, as it could potentially exacerbate their conditions.
- Slippery Surface: Pouring water over your head can make the immediate area slippery. Make sure you’re in a safe location and have a secure footing to avoid slipping and getting injured.
- Electrical Devices: It’s essential when doing the ice bucket challenge to avoid pouring water over electronic devices or electrical outlets to prevent the risk of electrical shock or damage.
- Sensitivity and Consent: While the ice bucket challenge was intended to be lighthearted and fun, it’s important to be considerate of individuals who may not want to participate or be uncomfortable with the idea of being drenched in water. Always obtain consent from participants before involving them in the challenge.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. ALS belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which impact the cells that transmit signals from the brain to the muscles, enabling movement.
In ALS, these motor neurons gradually degenerate and die, leading to a progressive loss of muscle control and function. This can result in muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually paralysis. The disease typically starts in a specific area and then spreads to other regions, affecting various muscle groups.
The exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, though a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role. In some cases, there is a genetic component, and about 5-10% of ALS cases are inherited. The majority of cases, however, are sporadic, occurring without a clear family history.
There is currently no cure for ALS, but there are treatments and interventions that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with the disease. These may include medications to manage symptoms like muscle cramps and stiffness, physical therapy to maintain muscle strength and mobility, speech therapy to address communication difficulties, and assistive devices to aid in daily activities.
The progression of ALS can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals experience a slower progression with relatively long periods of stability, while others may experience more rapid decline. Research into the underlying mechanisms of ALS and potential treatment options is ongoing in order to improve the outlook for individuals living with this challenging condition.
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