Ice Bucket Challenge

About

The Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral social media phenomenon that emerged in the summer of 2014, aimed at raising awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The challenge involved participants recording themselves having a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, then nominating others to do the same within 24 hours. It was co-founded by Pat Quinn and Pete Frates, both diagnosed with ALS. The challenge quickly gained global attention, with millions of people participating, including celebrities like Bill Gates and Oprah. The Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $220 million worldwide for ALS research and support. It significantly increased awareness of the disease, engaging a wide audience through social media platforms. Despite some criticisms, the challenge remains one of the most successful social media fundraising campaigns. It spurred further fundraising efforts and research into ALS, a disease for which there is currently no cure. The challenge's impact extends beyond fundraising, as it also galvanized community support and advocacy for ALS patients and their families.