ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Unless you've been living under a rock, you might have heard about the ALS Ice bucket challenge.

The ALS association is the only non-profit organization raising funds to fight Amyotrphic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. It's a neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 5,600 new patients every year. It is progressive and causes paralysis of voluntary muscles. In rare cases, patients can survive with this disease for more than 20 years, but in most cases patients will only live about 2-5 years after diagnosis.

What's this have to do with dumping ice water on your head?
The Ice Bucket Challenge is just a fun way the association has used to get the word out, raise awareness, and raise funds for research. And they've done just that, reaching 1.2 million new donors with this challenge, and raising $70.2 million so far this year, compared to $2.4 million they raised by this time last year.

Challengers are dared to either complete the challenge within 24 hours of being nominated, or donate $100 to the ALS association. I'll gladly say, most of my friends who have posted their videos have accepted the challenge AND donated to this cause.

Even celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon. Probably one of my favorites was uploaded by Chris Pratt!

And David Beckham

....I could honestly watch that 10 more times

I sat around like the last kid to be picked in gym class, waiting to be nominated. And received two nominations within 24 hours, from my dad (yea...I can't believe my dad was picked before me, I've apparently underestimated his coolness) and from challenge duo, Brody & Shaun. I was only willing to post one video, but upon learning of my second nomination, my mother had other plans in mind...

Although I'm not overly fond of dumping clean drinking water on the ground, mom did say she needed to water that side of the yard anyways today 

Before you donate to any foundation or fundraising event, I urge you to do a little research on charities before making a contribution. Mindfully give to those who are transparent about their funding...how much actually goes towards research, and how much revenue the CEO pockets. The ALS association scored very high, so you can take comfort in knowing your money is going to an accountable cause!

So for those others like me, still waiting to be nominated to participate...this is for YOU! I challenge any reader who has not yet known the fatal freeze that is the Ice bucket challenge, to post your video and #alsicebucketchallenge and #yogabarrechs so I can see yours!

If you want to 96 the challenge but still want to make a difference, donate here!