Most people have come across a number of videos related to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge over the last few days, and most of these videos depict people dumping a bucketful of ice water on themselves or someone else's head. However, not everyone knows the background of this currently viral trend.

In fact, the Ice Bucket Challenge is accepted with a view to promote awareness regarding an ailment called amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease, as well as encouraging people to donate for research to develop drugs for this incurable condition.

During July and August this year, the Ice Bucket Challege went viral on the social media, as people posted or shared over 1.5 million videos related to the cause just between June 1 and Aug. 13 alone. According to The New York Times the Ice Bucket Challenge was mentioned more than 2.5 million times on Twitter between July end and mid-August.

A degenerating condition, ALS triggers a slow paralysis by causing the nerve cells to stop working. The disease is incurable and people suffering from it eventually die. Except in some cases like that of Stephen Hawking, people who are diagnosed with ASL only live between two and five years for the most part.

As there is no cure for the disease at the moment, several groups affiliated with ALS Association are aiming to raise money for research and patient services, while raising public awareness, at the same time.

There are some simple ALS Challenge rules. People who have been named or tagged by participants have two choices to complete this challenge. Those called out may record a video of themselves pouring a bucket of ice-cold water over their head, or donate $100 to an ALS charity of their choice.

In some instance, particularly those related to celebrities, people would not only pledge to donate for the cause, but also pour ice water on themselves.

In fact, with the issue becoming viral on social media, there has been a massive increase in support for ALS charities. According to The New York Times, the ALS Sssociation had received $41.8 million in donations between July 29 and Aug. 21.

Unfortunately, even with the popularity of the Ice Bucket Challenge, some people still refuse to participate for the noble cause.