Pete Frates, inspiration behind ‘Ice Bucket Challenge,’ dies after 7-year battle with ALS
Pete Frates, an inspiration behind the “Ice Bucket Challenge” who touched lives across the world in his courageous fight against ALS, died Monday. He was 34.
Frates, a former Boston College baseball captain, died after a more than seven-year battle against the degenerative neurological disease. But not before he revolutionized the fight against ALS, inspiring fellow patients and helping raise millions of dollars for research.
“Pete was an inspiration to so many people around the world who drew strength from his courage and resiliency,” the Frates family said in a statement. “A natural born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete was a role model for all, especially young athletes, who looked up to him for his bravery and unwavering positive spirit in the face of adversity.”
Frates in 2012 was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig’s Disease — an incurable disease that slowly shuts down muscles throughout the body.
Frates was given just years to live, but he quickly accepted his reality.
“I look at this as an opportunity to help out a lot of people,” Frates told the Herald in 2012.
Frates made it his life’s mission to educate and bring awareness to ALS.
“Remarkably, Pete never complained about his illness,” the family added in the statement. “Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to give hope to other patients and their families. In his lifetime, he was determined to change the trajectory of a disease that had no treatment or cure.”
In 2013, he made a presentation to the Food and Drug Administration as he urged federal leaders to help find a cure for ALS.
Frates’ fight went viral in July and August of 2014 with the “Ice Bucket Challenge.” During that eight-week period, the ALS Association credited the “Ice Bucket Challenge” that Frates pushed on social media with generating more than $115 million in donations, underwriting research that led to the discovery of a new ALS gene.
Frates grew up in Beverly and attended St. John’s Prep, where he was a standout baseball, football and hockey player, and honors student. He went on to play baseball at Boston College, where he was an outfielder from 2004 to 2007.
“Heartbroken over the loss of @PeteFrates3, our hero, teammate, mentor and brother,” BC Baseball tweeted. “He changed the world.”
Red Sox legend David Ortiz tweeted, “You changed the world Pete. Im so very proud to have called you my friend. Heart hurts a lot today but ur name and legacy will live on forever. Rest easy my friend — we’ll continue to spread your word. Boston was so lucky to have you.”
The Red Sox in 2015 presented Frates with a baseball contract.
“We are so very proud that Pete’s story led him through Fenway Park as a player, and later, as an icon and member of our family,” Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement. “His legacy will affect generations of ALS patients nationwide, and his courage will be remembered by all of us.”
Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted, “@PeteFrates3 was one the most courageous and inspirational people I have ever met. He and his family changed the world for ALS patients & their families. Rest In Peace Pete. You earned it.”
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh tweeted, “Pete, you changed our city & our country for the better and made a difference in the lives of countless people. You helped us remember that we’re all one family & we have to look out for one another. There’s no telling how much good you’ve set in motion. RIP, my friend.”
In the midst of his battle, Frates married his wife Julie in 2013. They had their daughter Lucy in 2014.
“For those who would like to extend an expression of sympathy, please consider making a donation to the Peter Frates Family Foundation, 21 Landers Drive, Beverly, MA 01915 or online at petefrates.com/donate,” his family wrote. “Pete’s foundation’s mission is to aid progressed ALS patients in their desire to stay at home with those who love them most.”
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2E2DRM8
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