Backboard/Water Challenge

Could you stay completely still for over an hour? Could you handle an itch you can’t scratch, wet clothes you can't dry, and the intense feeling of immobility?

 Living without the ability to move brings hidden challenges most people never see. Yet, in that stillness and dependence, powerful lessons emerge—about patience, trust, and what it truly means to rely on others. 

Alex created the Backboard Water Challenge so anyone can experience a glimpse into this world:

Here’s how it works:

Clothing: Volunteers wear grey long-sleeve shirts and sweatpants—grey to visibly show wetness, sleeves and pants to symbolize unseen limbs and limited temperature regulation, tucked-in shirt representing disconnected sensation.

Backboard (1 hour): Lie flat, hands and feet tied. It’s uncomfortable reflecting the real daily discomfort of immobility.

Water (10 mins): (still restrained) and endure three buckets of water poured over your head without moving—mimicking the intense frustration of itching, wetness, and discomfort you can't resolve.

This challenge helps participants experience empathy, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of life's overlooked struggles.

Here is a picture and video from the backboard portion:

This picture shows the sun in the volunteer's face in the sun emphasizing well something that is a big part of the backboard water challenge even though it's uncomfortable you need to rely on others to help you. 

Very moving recap of the backboard portion by the volunteer. 

And one more…

A moment in the shoes of an individual who spends 365 days a year, 24/7, in the shoes. 

#thinkaboutit