Scanning any Berkeley student’s Facebook or Instagram feed, one is likely to see the A.L.S Ice Bucket Challenge mentioned at least once. Videos of people drenched in icy water have spread rapidly throughout social media, quickly starting a viral trend. From Oprah Winfrey to former President George W. Bush, celebrities and public figures have accepted the challenge and garnered millions of views.

However, the challenge is no ordinary internet stunt, and instead intends to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S). While most people have seen #IceBucketChallenge somewhere, not everyone knows the disease behind it.  According to the A.L.S Association, the disease targets neurons and the spinal cord, hindering one’s control over muscle movement. The A.L.S. Association also states that the disease effects around thirty thousand people nationwide and typically has a five year fatality rate. No cure currently exists, but that is what participants in the Ice Bucket Challenge are hoping to change.

The rules of the challenge are simple. Once nominated, one must dump a bucket of ice on their head within twenty-four hours and/or donate money to A.L.S. research. Junior Kaila Diorio, one of many participants in the challenge, believes its success lies with the fact that “everybody [is] doing it […] and it’s for awareness.” Whether it is the social media attention or the pressure created by nominating friends and family, the public has had trouble saying no to the challenge.

According to the ALS Association, as of September 2, they have received $106 million in Ice Bucket Challenge donations, and this number will continue to increase. Not only will these donations go towards research and support for those fighting A.L.S., but the Ice Bucket Challenge has left more people with a greater awareness of the devastating disease. The Ice Bucket Challenge is an inspiring example of how social media can be used in positive ways and how non-profits benefit from thinking outside the box—or bucket.

For more information about the disease and how you can help, visit www.alsa.org.