Man creates Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS; Now a viral hit

Saturday, August 16, 2014, 7:47 PM -

You've seen it...you've probably even taken part in it...we're talking about the ice bucket challenge. 

Now meet the man behind it. 

Pat Quinn, is one of the people responsible for this viral sensation. He was born and raised in Yonkers and was diagnosed with the neurological disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) last year. 

Shortly thereafter he quickly became one of the disease's biggest advocates. 

"I fee like it's my purpose in life, it's my mission, to be here to make a change," Quinn said.

Last month after seeing a friend post the ice bucket challenge video that didn't quite catch on, he got his friends involved, and the rest -- as they say -- was history.

"Something like an ice bucket challenge where people just say ALS, the awareness gets out of there, maybe a few more people will look it up." 

And then get involved in the cause. 

"Why stop now, you have a shot at changing the world in a way, and there's no reason to stop having fun...not only have fun, but you're creating awareness for a disease that has something special that's happening.God willing a cure could come." 

Everyone from Jimmy Fallon, to Justin Timberlake to Rob Astorino are getting soaking wet for a good cause. 

BELOW: Weather Network reporters brave the unseasonably cold weather for the cause:

Files from CNN