I refuse to do it. Not because I don't want cold water poured over me. I know what that feels like because I showered in ice cold water for six weeks in Haiti. There are two big reasons why I refuse to accept this challenge if nominated.
1. We're wasting water in the name of charity
-----This summer, God provided the opportunity for me to live in Haiti. This country is one of many where clean water is not readily available. Water.org states that 780 million people lack access to clean water. That's more than 2.5 times the population of the United States, but yet we're wasting water gallons at a time as part of this "challenge." That five gallon bucket many people use for the ALS challenge is the same size someone in Haiti, India, Africa and other developing countries use to collect their water for the DAY. Water is one of my passions and something I have learned not to take for granted, especially after having to carry around a water bottle each day as my only source of water between meals because it wasn't safe to drink elsewhere. It sickens my stomach to see video after video of this challenge on news feeds and the television as my friends and family in Haiti and worldwide are suffering. Isn't there a better way to raise awareness of what it feels like to have ALS than to waste such a precious resource that millions of people don't have?
2. Aborted babies are used for research purposes
-----The ALS uses stem cells from aborted babies (and some adult stem cells) to replace dying cells in a person affected by ALS. Don't believe me? Check out their website for yourself. http://www.alsa.org/research/about-als-research/stem-cells.html If you believe life begins at conception, then this is a problem because your ice bucket challenge and subsequent donation is funding the use of aborted babies for medical research. This foundation uses fertilized embryos less than a week old, takes the stem cell lines from the embryo for cultures and tries to repair the brain of someone with ALS. They admit it has raised ethical concerns. I personally believe life begins at conception, so this challenge and use of stem cells is against my ethical and religious beliefs. Instead of funding this research, I will pray for other options to find a cure and for complete healing of people living with ALS.
This post was not to condemn the people who have done the ice bucket challenge, but to bring awareness and education about the underlying issues. I understand people are doing this challenge out of kindness, but please be educated about where your money is going and how we, as Americans, are being wasteful. I personally hope this "fad" passes soon and people will find another way to raise awareness and fund medical research.
