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The Ice Bucket Challenge has exploded online as a viral phenomenon, prompting new interest and attention towards the ALS disease.
ALS, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a muscular degenerative disorder that affects the muscle neurons of the body. Eventually, it leads to paralysis, vital organ failure and, in some cases, death.
The ALS Association received $8.6 million in donations Tuesday as proceeds from the ice bucket challenge continued to pour in at record rates.
According to Time, since the Ice Bucket Challenge has gone viral, the ALS Association has received over $31.5 million in donations — a huge boost from the $1.7 million in donations during the same time period last year. The Ice Bucket Challenge was started in June 29.
“Increased awareness and unprecedented financial support will enable us to think outside the box,” the ALS Association said in a statement. Celebrities, athletes and politicians ranging from the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl to former President George W. Bush have taken the challenge, pouring buckets of ice water over their heads to raise ALS awareness.
The group added that it would use the donations to scale up research into the disease, including a recent pledge of $3.5 million to fund 21 new research projects, and provide more services to people currently suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
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