During the months of July and August people who are connected to social media may have seen the hashtags; #icebucketchallenge, #alsicebucketchallenge, and #strikeoutals. These tags have become very popular, as people around the world from celebrities to non-celebrities have taken part in the ALS challenge to help raise money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.This disease according to the official ALSA website “is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.” This can lead to possible paralysis and even death.

According to an article in Forbes magazine, “Donations related to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge — the social media-powered video challenge, where participants pour a bucket of ice water on their heads and dare others to donate — have topped $100 million in the past month.”

I think it’s great that people are taking part in this good cause to raise awareness for ALS. I also have four cousins who’ve done this challenge. It makes me want to try it and nominate people to do the challenge as well.

Watching videos of celebrities such as Derek Jeter, Nina Dobrev, and Adam Levine take part in the ice bucket challenge is fun but it makes me think why this cause is so popular?  Not saying it isn’t important but if we think about it shouldn’t we all give back to other causes in the world? Are we so amazed with the ALS challenges because famous celebrities are taking part of it?

There are many diseases that people are fighting to beat in the world today from Alzheimer’s to HIV. These diseases should also have just as much attention brought to them. The generosity of human being shouldn’t be limited to specific diseases just because it’s “trending”. People suffering with other harsh diseases deserve to have money donated to them to find a cure or to help people who are suffering from it. I know that people support many of these causes already and that makes me proud.

If we all invested some time in a good cause it could be simple investments from spending a couple of hours cleaning up around a park or working at a food kitchen or food bank. Another option could be to volunteer at a senior at a center or with kids at an after school program. I think if we did this, people will get something good out of it.

When I was 8 years old, my aunt, mom, cousins and I baked cookies and took gifts to a children’s hospital around Christmas for the kids who were staying for the holidays. The light in their faces is something I still remember. The gift I brought was a coloring book with pencils, a teddy bear and a joke book. I was proud of myself for bringing joy to a sick kid. It was a great feeling.

Celebrities have made people want to give back to the world and help people in need. We look at these celebrities and appreciate what they have done but, now this our time. The ALS challenge is popular but let’s make other causes matter. We can do this give back to others in need. Remember it doesn’t have to be much anything will help.

I hereby challenge everyone to go out and give an hour of his or her time to a charitable organization. It can be anything you feel strongly or passionate about. Just go out and do it. Give your free time and donate anything you can. I believe it will make a difference in the world. It doesn’t have to be a financial contribution if you can’t afford it. Sometimes the littlest things can be the most helpful.

The ALS challenge is wonderful. I do love seeing people I know along with my favorite actors and singers take part in this challenge but we should be giving just as much attention to other causes too.