People around the world are getting in on the 22 Pushup Challenge to help veterans.
The 22 Pushup Challenge is taking social media by storm.
Jason Statham is doing pushups for a really great cause.
It's called the 22 Pushup Challenge and it's meant to draw awareness to the epidemic of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among military veterans. The 22 represents the highly-cited stat for the number of veterans, on average, who die by suicide each day (although that statistic is lacking context and possibly based on outdated or incomplete numbers).
In recent days, Statham has been posting videos of himself completing his 22 daily pushups — even poking fun at director Guy Ritchie's less-than-perfect form in the process.
To honor those who serve and to raise awareness for veteran suicide. Real heroes that need help. @22pushupchallenge #22kill @guyritchie
Posted by Jason Statham on Wednesday, September 21, 2016
The goal of the challenge is to utilize the power of social media to combat the stigma surrounding veteran suicide.
With roles in movies like "The Transporter" series, "The Italian Job," the "Fast & Furious" series, and pretty much any other film that's ever needed a tough guy with a cockney accent, Statham is one of the greatest action stars of all time.
Knowing that, it shouldn't come as any surprise that he's got his form locked down when it comes to being able to fire off a string of pushups.
Statham isn't alone, either. Tens of thousands of others — celebs and otherwise — have taken the 22 Pushup Challenge, sharing their stories on social media.
Some notable participants include John Krasinski of "The Office" and, more recently, "13 Hours."
Actors Chris Pratt and Anna Farris also joined in the challenge.
A video posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on
And even Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker got in on the action.
A video posted by travisbarker (@travisbarker) on
Like other socially-driven awareness campaigns, the 22 Pushup Challenge relies on a combination of participation and fundraising.
Similar to 2014's Ice Bucket Challenge, which helped raise more than $100 million for the ALS Association, the 22 Pushup Challenge helps raise money for an organization of its own: Honor Courage Commitment's 22Kill. Money raised by 22Kill through the 22 Pushup Challenge will be used to support organizations offering programs focused on veteran empowerment and mental health treatment.
While PTSD can affect anybody, veterans are at a higher risk of developing the condition than the general population.
Many combat veterans are exposed to traumatic, life-threatening experiences. According to the Veterans Administration, between 11 and 20% of veterans have PTSD. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to suicide.
A video posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on
To learn more about the 22 Pushup Challenge, visit 22Kill's Facebook page.