Internet trends come and go, but once they do hit, look out. Within days, millions (yes millions) of people around the world are joining in and posting about it online. Most of the time, it’s just something silly and mindless (yes, I’m referring to you Harlem Shakers). Other times, it’s just something cute that makes us all laugh. However, all of these viral trends are almost always connected with a common theme. They are simple, fun, and quickly out of our minds in a week or two.
The latest trend dominating our news feeds and in-boxes certainly meets the fun criteria, but after that, this one is vastly different. It’s called the Ice Bucket Challenge, and if you haven’t seen one of these videos yet, let me be the first person to welcome you back to the planet. People all over the world are dumping buckets of ice cold water over their heads to draw attention and help raise funds in the battle against the very scary disease called ALS. The goofiness of these videos doesn’t always make that fact clear. In fact, in my own Craig Smith for QVC Facebook video, I screwed a couple of things up, but the goal is a noble one. If we all come together, we can make a difference, and we are.
ALS is a scary thing, and sadly it claimed the life of one of my high school classmates. Scott Shapleigh died a little over 2 years ago, long before dumping buckets of ice water over your head became the trend du jour. I wasn’t particularly close with Scott. We were passing friends in the hallways of school, and I hadn’t seen him in years when a mutual friend told me about his troubles. It hit me hard, and I felt helpless. Thanks to social media and emails, several members of my class chipped in, and we were able to help Scott and his family out during Scott’s final months. We may have done a little to make his world slightly more comfortable, but that was all we could accomplish. Scott lost his fight, and we all lost a really great guy. Since then, most of us have gone back to our normal lives, but for those closest to Scott, I don’t think that transition will ever be complete.
I hadn’t thought about Scott in a while, but all these videos have brought his memory back to my mind. I keep reading news reports about the huge spike in donations to ALS charities. I’ve seen George W Bush, Bill Gates, and hundreds of strangers take the challenge. My favorite video has to be Eddie Vedder who honors former NFL player Steve Gleason before getting soaked. After living in New Orleans for 5 years, I have a soft spot for the Saints, and Steve’s #nowhiteflags campaign has been amazing as he fights for himself and others with ALS.
Like any hot topic, the Ice Bucket Challenge has its fair share of critics. I’ve read “is dumping water on your head do anything for ALS?” more times than I can count. This is may be your opinion too. I for one do think it makes a difference, and I’m glad I did it. In a few months, the attention given to ALS will likely fade, and we’ll be busy watching the next internet trend comes our way. I only hope that one also finds a way to bring us together and make the word a better place. Until then, keep dumping away, and #nowhiteflags.
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