What Is ALS and the Ice Bucket Challenge? | Mashable Explains

With the Ice Bucket Challenge taking social media by storm, Mashable Explains takes a look at what ALS is, and how it affects the body.

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[therealtoriray]

The purpose of the ice water is to feel what it's like to have ALS for a split second. When the water hits, your body is paralyzed for a split second and that is what it feels like

[TubaBuddha]

As I understand it. The reason for the ice part is so those who don't have ALS would feel the intense numbing that is associated with the disease.

[moniamin]

Most people who have done the ice challenge or doing it dont even know what it is!! Its becoming a joke and not really raising awareness or even getting any money for asl

[KathyHaynesPetersMommaBugg]

I heard the cold water was to give you a small look into what ALS feels like.

[DrunkSocialite]

The cold shock is supposed to simulate the sensation of als.

[LambDan_]

This is probably one of the best viral trends to exist because it helps fund vital research. Thanks internet

[PanEnthusiast]

I just wanted to say as somebody who had a family friend who suffered from ALS thank you.

[ljmastertroll]

I laughed at the cinnamon clip I'm so ashamed.

[BosleyBeats]

The ice represents the pain that an individual dealing with ALS feels. It's a method of giving you a brief window into their world.

[GarlicGrinder]

ithinkth a t the reason you pour Ice Water on yourself is because it is so cold, that it is hard to move, temporarily simulating the paralysis someone with ALS goes through, therefore emulating sympathy for the individual affected by the disease. That's my theory anyway.

[wiz]

This guy is good he should start a YouTube channel.

[edwinrocha]

The ice challenge is because if u put your body in ice too long your body muscles can't move for at least a couple of minutes or hours depending how weak or strong your body is

[EllionicoJohn]

Its 12:40 am and i just had randomly been curious what’s with the ice bucket has to do with ALS.And i still didnt figure it out

[thejanna]

NOAH STERLING! I was in the producers at french woods with you! I know youu

[tessl]

I was always confused because I remember the part where you either donate or dump the ice water on yourself…. I was wondering why so many people didn’t want to donate….

[Chh]

I wish viral stuff now includes awareness like back then lol

[misofine]

Awesome video!! Now, I know what's all about those ice bucket challenges on Facebook.

[claireloveslimes]

I think the ice bucket challenge is fine. Who cares if people don't exactly know why they are pouring ice on their heads and donating money? At least the A.L.S. Scientists are getting a TON of money to help do research to save these innocent beings. If this could happen for cancer and other types of fatal diseases, then it would be amazing.

[wollywolf]

can anyone tell me how als is differ than sca?

[Squdfac]

lots people spent money on cancer and now ALS but what about other my dad has alzheimers :(