The #ALSPepperChallenge Is The New Ice Bucket Challenge

It’s the new year, and it’s brought about new challenges. Some are downright idiotic (we’re looking at you Tidepod challenge) and some are for a great cause. The #ALSPepperChallenge is the latter and is meant to raise support for those who suffer from ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

ALS causes your muscles to give out eventually and, unfortunately, at the moment there is no cure for it. The premise of the ALS challenge is fundamentally the same as the Ice Bucket Challenge. Eat a hot pepper of your choosing and endure the pain, or donate money to an ALS charity. Of course, there’s always the option to endure and give money, which many people end up doing anyway.

I accepted the #ALSPepperChallenge from @Jade_TBF & made @WindhorstESPN do it with me! This is a great cause our friend @TomHaberstroh is spearheading on behalf of his mom @PattyHaberstro2 & everyone out there fighting ALS.
DONATE here: https://t.co/YYDTG3C87V pic.twitter.com/yu5xgz9VRV

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) January 9, 2018

You must then nominate 3 other people who must complete the challenge in 48 hours and further nominate 3 more people each causing a positive ripple effect of donations for the cure.

The #ALSPepperChallenge was started by Tom Haberstroh, a former NBA insider for ESPN and the co-founder of Leverage the Chat. His mom was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder just before this past holiday season. To help her out, Haberstroh created the challenge alongside a fundraiser on Classy, which currently has met roughly 70% of its fundraising goal of $50,000. All of the money will be donated to the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

In support of our friend @tomhaberstroh, his mother & their entire family. #ALSPepperChallenge@TheJaxShow & @IraHeatBeat you're up! https://t.co/LtaFls1LK3 pic.twitter.com/vJVAKwxKJ2

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 12, 2018

Remember the #icebucketchallenge? Take a look at the new challenge sweeping social media to raise awareness and funds for #ALS! #ALSPepperChallenge https://t.co/jOYWqprOI0

— ALS Society of NB and NS (@CareAndHope) January 17, 2018