The Ice Bucket Challenge has returned, but this time it has a new cause

The infamous ice bucket challenge from 2014 has returned; although, this time it’s for a different cause.

The 2025 USC (University of South Carolina) Mind Ice Bucket challenge focuses on mental health; while the previous challenge, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, focuses on a deadly disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Both have trended on social media and have been highly beneficial in raising money and awareness for the organizations.

What is the Ice Bucket Challenge?

The Ice Bucket Challenge is a popular internet trend that involves pouring ice water  over your head and nominating others to do the same to promote awareness for the respective causes. 

2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge was a campaign created because of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This disease is irreversible and eventually leads to death.

As explained on ALS.org, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was created by Pete Frates, Pat Quinn, and Anthony Senerchia, three men who suffered with ALS. The purpose of this challenge was to not only use ice to simulate how the disease felt but also to raise money and awareness.

This challenge went viral with more than 17 million people participating, including many celebrities. Additionally, the challenge raised over 220 million dollars, which was used for research and to help victims of ALS.

USC Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge

The USC Mind Challenge was started by the University of South Carolina and focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. 

So far, this challenge has raised over 400,000 dollars, and thousands of individuals have participated, including various celebrities/influencers and many students at Pascack Valley High School. This trend is still going on and will hopefully have an influence similar to that of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.