In the past few weeks, you may have come across videos of your friends dumping a bucket of ice cold water on their heads? This viral campaign isn’t just about how to stay cool during these hot summer months. It’s about raising awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Oh, and yes, it’s working!
While the challenge is getting a lot of buzz on social media, with many participants using hashtags such as #icebucketchallenge and #StrikeoutALS, it’s also helping to raise much needed funds. According to the ALS Association, there has been a 10 percent increase in monetary donations compared to the same time period last year.
This isn’t the first time social media has helped create awareness on a specific disease. Back in 2012, a Canadian woman was able to get a lung transplant with the help of Twitter and pop icon Justin Bieber.
Social media has can be a powerful awareness and donation tool. All you need is an idea and a strategy and the “sky is the limit,” on the buzz you can generate.
For other case studies involving social media applications in healthcare, contact Wax Custom Communications at 305-350-5700 or visit waxcom.com.