22 Push-Up Challenge Sweeps Social Media and Raises Awareness for Veterans’ Health

First it was the Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised awareness and over $100 million in donations for ALS research. The latest challenge sweeping celebrities’ social media is the 22 Push-Up Challenge, designed to raise awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD.

The challenge works similarly to the Ice Bucket Challenge in that the participant is encouraged to record their attempts, post the video to social media, and challenge others to do the same. These may seem like silly internet things, but as I mentioned, the Ice Bucket Challenge raised a considerable amount of money for ALS research, and they recently had a serious breakthrough, so these can do some serious good. So far I’ve seen no mention of donations in regards to the 22 Push-Up Challenge, but there are many veterans’ organizations out there who could use the financial support, including the organization sponsoring the challenge.

The 22 Push-Up Challenge was started by the organization 22Kill, which is aiming for 22 million push-ups. The organization’s website states that the push-ups are “to honor those who serve and to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention through education and empowerment”. Why 22? Because that, sadly, is the number of veterans who commit suicide every day. 22Kill is a “global movement” that was started by veterans in order to raise awareness for veterans’ mental health issues (specifically PTSD), educate the public about veterans’ issues, and support various organizations that focus on services for veterans and their families.

Can’t do a pushup? No worries. 22Kill will accept any number of push-ups towards their goal, as long as the participants state their name and the organization (if any) they are representing. If you decide to do the challenge, make sure you post the video, tag 22Kill’s social media, and use the hashtags “#Xpushups for #22KILL” with “x” being the number of push-ups you did. There have been over 7 million push-ups counted so far.

I was made aware of the challenge when I saw the video Chris Evans posted to his Twitter yesterday (which features his dog, Dodger, and is adorable), but other celebrities have taken up the cause, including Chris Pratt, Anna Faris, and John Krasinksi.

Thank you to all the men and women who serve this country #22PushupChallenge @Renner4Real @AnthonyMackie pic.twitter.com/BbA5j67uaM

— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 15, 2016

Thanks @canadianoutlaw for the #22pushupchallenge Everyday 22 veterans take their own lives. Please know there are people out there thinking about you, praying for you and who appreciate your sacrifice. If you are thinking of harming yourself call 1-800-273-8255.

A video posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on Aug 12, 2016 at 6:44pm PDT

#22pushupchallenge Raising awareness for our brave men and women suffering with PTSD and specifically the 22 veterans that commit suicide every day. #veterans #NeverStopSayingThankYou @chrisevans @rise_movement @miles_teller @prattprattpratt

A video posted by John Krasinski (@johnkrasinski) on Aug 15, 2016 at 8:46am PDT

Will you take the challenge?

Author: Jamie Sugah

Jamie has a BA in English with a focus in creative writing from The Ohio State University. She self-published her first novel, The Perils of Long Hair on a Windy Day, which is available through Amazon. She is currently an archivist and lives in New York City with her demon ninja vampire cat. She covers television, books, movies, anime, and conventions in the NYC area.

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