By Adam Kelly | Echo
Frigid water flies over your head before dousing you completely, freezing you for a second as an example of what ALS feels like. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge became a national phenomenon over the past couple months, with both everyday Americans and celebrities participating in the challenge.
For the uninformed, the Ice Bucket Challenge begins when a person is nominated to pour ice water over their head, donate $100 to the ALS Association or both, along with nominating others to do the same. Most videos are then posted on social media, for the nominated to see.
Millions of dollars-over $60 million, actually, according to dailysignal.com-have been donated to the ALS Association because of this challenge spreading like wildfire through the U.S. Now, many more know about the devastating effects of the neurodegenerative disease, such as the muscle tissue slowly becoming malnourished and motor neurons slowly dying.
But after researching the ALS Association on alsa.org, I have chosen not to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge. The ALS Association supports and takes part in embryonic stem cell research, which destroys life. Through articles such as "Why Some Pro-Lifers Go Cold on ALS Ice Bucket Challenge" on dailysignal.com, I discovered organizations that contribute to ALS research but do not participate in embryonic stem cell research.
Research groups such as John Paul II Medical Research Institute, Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center and Mayo Clinic conduct embryonic stem cell research, says the Family Research Council. Before participating in a crazy challenge and/or donating money, please investigate the organization. The ALS Association does not make it easy to find the section on embryonic stem cell research, but through digging, the information is available. They provide information on trials in which embryonic stem cells were used so interested people can look at that data.
I am not trying to dissuade you from participating in any test like the Ice Bucket Challenge or donating to organizations that support a great cause. People with ALS and their families benefit from these challenges going viral and the millions of dollars that are raised through them. But because of the research the ALS Association does, if I am nominated, I will instead be sending a donation to an organization that does not use embryonic stem cells in research.
I am sure the Ice Bucket Challenge will continue to go viral on Facebook, YouTube and other social media. I absolutely support the cause and hope others will follow the trend and continue the challenge. But they must look at their values to make sure they do not violate their values in participating and determine where its best to donate their money.
