The Ice Bucket Challenge was co-founded by Pat Quinn and Pete Frates, two young men diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). The challenge gained viral popularity in the summer of 2014 as a way to raise awareness and funds for ALS research

. The origin of the ALS-focused Ice Bucket Challenge traces back to a professional golfer, Chris Kennedy, who in mid-July 2014 took the challenge and nominated Jeanette Senerchia, whose husband Anthony Senerchia was battling ALS. This connection helped shift the challenge's focus specifically to ALS. Pat Quinn, a friend of the Senerchias, and Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball captain diagnosed with ALS, then helped spread the challenge widely through their networks and social media

. Anthony Senerchia, Pat Quinn, and Pete Frates are recognized as key figures who adapted and popularized the Ice Bucket Challenge as a viral fundraising campaign for ALS

. In summary, the Ice Bucket Challenge was started and popularized by Pat Quinn and Pete Frates, with early involvement from Anthony Senerchia and Chris Kennedy playing a pivotal role in linking the challenge to ALS awareness