You’re likely on the right track in thinking of a performance or staged concept, but it doesn’t actually fit the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
The Ice Bucket Challenge (2014 viral campaign for ALS awareness) typically involved people dumping ice water on themselves to raise awareness and donations. It wasn’t related to medical deception or “revealing someone can walk.”
What your description does resemble more closely is:
- A staged narrative photo series
- A psychological thriller or short film still
- Or sometimes an art project illustrating deception or hidden identity
The “paralyzed stepson who can actually walk” idea is a common dramatic trope rather than a known real-world campaign or viral challenge.
