My Version of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Today, on social media, I saw someone requesting ideas for a "cool" and "outstanding" version of the ice bucket challenge.  There was no mention of ALS or ALSA.org, the organization dedicated to fighting the crippling disease.

Maybe I'm just tired of my Facebook News Feed being dominated by ice bucket videos. Maybe I'm just a jerk. But, I feel like no one should be making ice bucket videos, and everyone should be donating to ALSA.org instead.

Somewhere along the way, the purpose of this already successful donation campaign has been lost.  Somewhere along the way, the #icebucketchallenge has become less about raising awareness and funds for ALSA.org, and more about a narcissistic urge to show off our own zaniness.

Believe it or not, Charlie Sheen is one of the few celebrities to get it exactly right!  Check out his video, which comes with a $10,000 twist.

I mean the #icebucketchallenge started out as a way to get people to donate to the fight against ALS.  If you received the challenge; then you either donated $10 and made a challenge video, or you donated $100 instead of dumping a bucket of ice on your head. Which option do you think ALSA.org would prefer?  I'd bet they would prefer the latter.

However, I could be wrong.  There has been a 400 percent increase in donations to the ALS Association.  So, it seems to be working.

Some are saying the challenge is a waste of water, especially in California where water has become a precious commodity.  Others fear that the message is getting lost, and that "challengers" are making videos rather than making donations.

I thought this blogger had an interesting take.  She wrote about an ALS family and what they really think of the ice bucket challenge.

At the end of the day, the videos are making an impact.  But, at the end of the day... did you do all you could for the fight against ALS?  Did you donate as much as you could to fight ALS?  Or did you just enjoy the 15 seconds of fame that making an ice bucket challenge video may have given you?

I was challenged earlier this week by Elizabeth Morales of the 96.5 KVKI morning show. Kudos to Liz for making a video AND a donation.  I happily accept your challenge Elizabeth.  But instead of dumping ice water on my head, I'll take the other option and donate $100 to ALSA.org.

My challenge is to ALL who have made an ice bucket challenge video WITHOUT making a donation.  C'mon man!  You're better than that.  You've already made your video, take the extra step and donate to ALSA.org. You can make a donation by clicking here.

You won't be seeing me dumping ice water on my head.  I don't think the world needs another video of the ice bucket challenge.  The world needs a cure for this disease.  Your money and awareness can help achieve that.

I've never been touched by ALS in my circle of family and friends.  However, I'm a New Orleans Saints fan and have watched former Saint Steve Gleason's struggle with the disease.  Take some time to learn Steve's story and how this disease can take the strongest of men and cripple them physically.

Furthermore, I'd like to leave you with some facts about ALS.

• An estimated 30,000 Americans are living with the disease.
• Everyday, an average of 15 people are diagnosed with ALS.
• The average life expectancy for someone with ALS is 2 to 5 years after diagnosis.
• ALS can happen to anyone.  There are no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries.