Quinn was diagnosed with Lateral Amyotrophic Sclerosis (ALS) in 2013. In the United States, Patrick Quinn, one of the creators of the charitable flash mob Ice Bucket Challenge, died at the age of 37. In 2013, he was diagnosed with Lateral Amyotrophic Sclerosis, an incurable neurological disease. His death was announced on Facebook by the ALS Association and the people who supported him.
The Ice Bucket Challenge, which became popular in many countries, raised more than $220 million for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. This disease is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It wasn’t Quinn who came up with the flash mob, but thanks to him, his family and friends, it became a global social media phenomenon in the summer of 2014. People shared videos of themselves pouring a bucket of icy water over their heads, urging others to follow suit or donate to ALS research. Celebrities who participated in the flash mob included former U.S. President George W. Bush, TV host Oprah Winfrey, singer Lady Gaga and current U.S. President Donald Trump.
Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking lived with his disease for 55 years. In 2019, another important representative of the campaign – baseball player Pete Frates – died of illness at the age of 34. Many on social media expressed their condolences to Quinn’s family, noting that he had done much to raise awareness of the disease and the need for research to find a cure. “We will forever remember his inspiration and courage in his relentless fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” one of the messages said.
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association said the charitable flash mob Ice Bucket Challenge, in which participants dumped cold water on themselves and posted videos on social media, helped fund an important scientific discovery.