Ice Bucket Challenge by BrusselsLife

How the challenge works

For those who have been living under a rock, the idea behind the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is simple. If you’re nominated by a friend (who probably wants to annoy you), the first step is: get a bucket. Fill it up with cold water and ice. Then gather up your courage and pour the full bucket over your head, promising to make a donation for ALS research. Videotape the whole shebang, share with your friends, and nominate someone else!

ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Very few people had even heard of this disease before everyone started throwing water. The Challenge has spread overwhelming awareness about ALS.

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease? The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control muscles. Cell degeneration is progressive and leads to total paralysis, while intellectual ability stays intact. Today ALS has no cure.

The media takeover

The Ice Buck Challenge’s huge media presence has resulted in great awareness and mobilization for the cause. The challenge was launched in the United States at the beginning of August and now thousands have been getting soaked for ALS.

BrusselsLife.be follows suit

After Steven Spielberg, Bill Gates, Belgium’s own Vincent Kompany, and many others, BrusselsLife.be was nominated by the gymnast Jimmy Verbaeys. Everyone mustered up some courage and took a turn with the ice bucket and then slipped a bill in the pot.

While we’re at it, BrusselsLife.be now nominates: Bruxelles Aller retour – VivaCité RTBF, brusselnieuws.be, and Atomium…

Make a donation

More than 120,000 euros have already been raised in Belgium for ALS research. You too can join the movement by making a donation to the Belgian Association Against Neuro-Muscular Diseases (ABMM in French) or to the Ligue Belge de SLA.