The Yonkers native who inspired the ice bucket challenge for ALS research spoke with News 12 Friday – using his voice that was once taken from him. 

Pat Quinn was diagnosed with the degenerative disease five years ago. He said he would avoid speaking at public events, or even family ones, after the disease tightened its grip. Quinn said he mostly didn’t want to sound like a "computer."

Just a few days ago, the ALS Association changed his life. He was fitted with a device that he controls with his eyes which allows him to communicate in his own voice.

"Hope is everything and it keeps me going," he told News 12.

According to the ALS Association, the ice bucket challenge raised $115 million in the summer of 2014.