Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Opinion / Editorials / We challenge the Ice Bucket Challenge

We challenge the Ice Bucket Challenge

August 26, 2014 by Optimist Editorial Board

With the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on the rise and hundreds joining each day, critically thinking about the challenge before participating is crucial.

The challenge consists of pouring a bucket of ice cold water over your head, then naming a few other people to do the same in less than 24 hours, or donating money to the ALS Association for research to find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which leads to loss of voluntary muscle control.

After its start in June, the challenge has reached thousands across the globe, including former president George W. Bush, Will Smith and Oprah Winfrey.

As Facebook and Instagram feeds continue to fill with families, friends and teammates being doused in cold water, it is showing no sign of stopping.

On Monday, the ALS Association announced that the challenge has raised $79.7 million for research against the disease so far.

While searching for a cure for the debilitating ALS is an honorable mission, participants should investigate the association before giving money.

According to an article on the Christian Post website, a Christian news network, the ALS Association uses animals for experiments.

The website also said the association uses embryos in its research.

Other skeptical investigators claim the association’s research on ALS is only receiving one third of the donations.

The association has denied the claims, but have raised the question: where is all the money going?

For people battling the disease today, a variety of methods are used to keep their muscles from rapidly deteriorating, all of which drive medical bills through the roof for families.

Instead of giving to a large foundation, participants can challenge one another to donate to a specific hospital, or family, to cover costs of home-based, 24-hour care.

We are not telling you to keep from donating or to stop participating in the ice bucket challenge, even if the videos are becoming repetitive, but to evaluate where the money is going before clicking the transfer button.

If the ALS Association’s operation does not appeal to you after doing more research, other organizations exist to fight similarly debilitating diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, and could use the funds just as much.

Filed Under: Editorials, Opinion

Other Opinion:

  • Analyzing the Capitol riots through both lenses

  • To achieve unity, we need to start listening

  • Quality online education requires lecturing and better communication

Optimist Editorial Board

About Optimist Editorial Board

You are here: Home / Opinion / Editorials / We challenge the Ice Bucket Challenge

Other Opinion:

  • Analyzing the Capitol riots through both lenses

  • To achieve unity, we need to start listening

  • Quality online education requires lecturing and better communication

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimistThe Optimist@acuoptimist·
16 Jan

Active COVID-19 cases dropped for the fifth-consecutive day at ACU Friday. There are currently 30 active cases and 86 quarantines.

Reply on Twitter 1350232273191395336Retweet on Twitter 1350232273191395336Like on Twitter 135023227319139533610Twitter 1350232273191395336
acuoptimistThe Optimist@acuoptimist·
15 Jan

Yu Zhong, a psychology major from Lijiang, China, was arrested Friday at his University Park apartment on child porn charges, according to police. This is a developing story. Read more below:
https://acuoptimist.com/2021/01/student-arrested-on-child-porn-charge/

Reply on Twitter 1350203450064297984Retweet on Twitter 1350203450064297984Like on Twitter 1350203450064297984Twitter 1350203450064297984

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

3 days ago

The Optimist
Active COVID-19 cases dropped for the fifth- consecutive day at ACU Friday. There are currently 30 active cases and 86 quarantines. Taylor County continues to see increased numbers with over 2500 active cases. ...

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

3 days ago

The Optimist
Yu Zhong, a freshman psychology major from Lijiang, China, was arrested Friday at his University Park apartment on child porn charges, according to police. This is a developing story. Read more below: ...

Student arrested on child porn charge - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Yu Zhong, a freshman psychology major from Lijiang, China, was arrested Friday at his University Park apartment on child porn charges, according to police. Zhong, 23, was arrested after he was flagged by software that detects child porn. “While no corner of our society is immune from these challen...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Praise Day Fridays return to campus

Video by Allie Jones. https://youtu.be/4F0D1oNzGjM   ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast – Nov. 5, 2020
  • ACUTV, Optimist preparing for live election show
  • Earliest snowfall recorded in Abilene

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2021 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved