The Ice Bucket Challenge: Taking the Plunge

All around the world-and social media, for that matter, people are dunking a bucketful of freezing water and ice over their head. Their reason? The Ice Bucket Challenge.

A plethora of people have taken the Challenge-Hugh Jackman, the actor who portrays Wolverine, Robert Downey Jr., the man who portrays Tony Stark, the billionare philanthropist who creates Iron Man, The Penguins of Madagascar, and even the former president of the United States, George W. Bush. The Ice Bucket Challenge is something that is literately flooding the nation.

But what is it?

The Ice Bucket Challenge is a way to raise awareness of ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a type of incurable disease that slowly destroys the way you live.

In an effort to raise awareness, Peter Frates, a former Reds Pitcher, who was diagnosed with the disease, challenged others to dump a bucket of ice-cold water on themselves, or to pay a donation to the ASL Charity Fund.

Despite his growing frailty, he himself took the challenge on the very field he used to play ball in, confined to a wheelchair.

Part of the appeal of the Challenge is that, after taking the challenge yourself, you can nominate several other people to take the challenge

Some are dubious if simply dumping a bucket of water over their heads will do anything to prevent ALS, however, according to Frates argues the most important thing right now, is to raise the awareness of ALS community, so that they can begin to really push for a cure.

So far, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised more than $15 million dollars, and continues to spread as more and more people take up arms-and buckets-to fight ALS.

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