The ALS ice-bucket challenge has become a big media story. While spreading awareness about the disease, the fundraiser has been a hit. The campaign began in the United States and has now reached Brazil and other countries. However, many doing the challenge have no idea what ALS is. So, what is is it? Known in the US as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the famous Yankee baseball player of the 1920s and 30s, ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control and eventual paralysis. The point of the ice-bucket challenge is to raise awareness and money, and as of 19 August, nearly US$23 million has been donated. However, most who do the challenge neglect to donate; there are a lot of celebrities who have done the challenge who didn’t even bother to mention the cause or where to donate. Imagine how many more millions of dollars could have gone to research…

For more information on ALS, go to http://www.alsa.org