The summer of 2014 birthed a revolutionary movement as people banded together internationally to participate in a never before seen movement. This movement was widespread on Twitter, FaceBook, and documented on national news stations under the name and hashtag “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.”

Many CHS students participated over the summer whilst watching their favorite celebrities take part as well. A large percentage of participants, however, know next to nothing about Lou Gehrig’s disease except that they were tagged to dump cold water over themselves on camera.

The simplistic challenge was initially started in an attempt to raise awareness about the disease affecting thousands of innocent Americans and hopefully boost research funding.   The ice bucket aspect was designed to be an entertaining way to raise money as well as increase general public knowledge. There is no cure at the moment for this often fatal disease, but unfortunately that is not the only way it changes the lives of those suffering.

Those living with this disease lose the ability to properly control their muscles and are often left paralyzed as the nerves in their brain and spinal chord degenerate. Because so little is known about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, it is difficult to develop a medicine that can work for all the unique cases.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Health Institute, ALS research in recent years has received a minute fraction of the funds given to that of more well known diseases and disorders (particularly cancer although there is absolutely nothing wrong with cancer research being funded!) and this is due to the publicity of these illnesses. People regularly donate to cancer institutes or children hospitals and that is a great thing, but that overlooks many other diseases where people suffer sometimes a lot more.

As the challenge became more popular, many people over social media decided to make it their business to complain and post hate. They argued the spotlight on ALS was unfair to many other sicknesses, each uniquely arguing that it is important for other ailments to receive equal publicity and funding. These statements deeply frustrate me because the speakers say nothing about other diseases that are in the limelight year round but they find it suddenly acceptable to bash a deadly problem just because more people are talking about it than usual. I do not understand how it is worth it in any way to talk negatively about something that ruins and ends lives all across the world just because someone might not have a personal connection or reason to believe in the movement.

I was honestly quite proud of what was accomplished in such a short amount of time, especially because it was a positive thing done through social media and that in itself is a rarity. I do not understand how it could be seen as a terrible thing that funding and attention was brought to ALS for the season when all the movement did was help people and their families. According to the ALS Association (ALSA), the ice bucket challenge alone raised around $22.9 million as of August 19 and that is something in which people should be proud.

 Many CHS students participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  Read more about their experiences in our article, CHS students participate in Internet craze for a good cause.

Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2014-2015 Periscope staff, CHS Administration or the CHS student body.