Chris Johnson’s ALS Diagnosis Revives Ice Bucket Challenge Campaign

Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced his ALS diagnosis, sparking a renewed wave of the Ice Bucket Challenge across social media. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, LeBron James, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Bill Gates and many others have posted videos dumping ice water to raise awareness and donations, echoing the 2014 viral effort that generated more than $5.5 million for ALS research.

The resurgence includes organized events, notably a fundraiser at Yonkers Raceway on Aug. 9 that honors Pat Quinn, a co‑founder of the original challenge, with support from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. Nashville rapper Young Buck also posted his own challenge video, urging local leaders to join the cause.

ALS affects roughly 5,000 new Americans each year and about 3 million people worldwide. The campaign aims to boost public understanding of the disease and fund research toward a cure.