Ice Bucket Challenge facts for kids
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The Ice Bucket Challenge was a fun and popular activity that spread quickly online. People would dump a bucket of ice water over their heads. This was done to help raise awareness about a serious disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It also encouraged people to donate money for research into ALS.
This challenge became very famous on social media during the summer of 2014. Many people, including celebrities, took part.
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What is ALS?
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It is a disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells control your muscles. When they are damaged, muscles get weaker over time. This can make it hard to move, speak, eat, and even breathe. ALS is also known as motor neuron disease. In the United States, it is sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease. This is named after a famous baseball player who had ALS.
Why the Ice Bucket Challenge?
The main goal of the Ice Bucket Challenge was to teach more people about ALS. It also aimed to raise money for research. Scientists need money to study ALS and find new treatments or a cure. When someone was challenged, they had two choices. They could either dump ice water on themselves, or donate money to an ALS charity. Many people chose to do both! The cold water was meant to give a small, temporary feeling of what it might be like to have a body affected by ALS.
How the Challenge Spread
The Ice Bucket Challenge became a huge viral sensation. It spread quickly through websites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. People would film themselves doing the challenge. Then, they would post the video online. After completing the challenge, they would nominate friends or family members to do it next. This helped the challenge grow very fast. Millions of videos were shared, and a lot of money was raised for ALS research.
Images for kids
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Green Bay local radio and TV personality John Maino performs the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
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Drought in California in 2014
See also
In Spanish: Ice Bucket Challenge para niños
