Ice Bucket Challenge Inspiration Pete Frates Has Died At 34

Dec 10, 2019 by apost team

Pete Frates, the man behind the famed viral phenomenon the ice bucket challenge has passed away from ALS at the age of 34.

Frates was diagnosed at the age of 27 while he was the director of baseball operations at Boston College, his alma mater. He struggled with ALS for nearly 8 years and was a determined and optimistic advocate for the cure since day one.

“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,” said his family in a statement. “He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others.”

One of his greatest works, and his life’s legacy, was the ice bucket challenge.

apost.com

The ice bucket challenge was a highly successful social media sensation that encouraged people to dump a bucket of ice water on their heads to raise awareness about ALS. It took over the internet in 2014 and resulted in more than $200 million raised towards finding a cure for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The donations funded a major milestone a few years later that enabled a team of doctors to isolate a gene variation that many ALS patients have. The ALS association told CBS that this discovery has led to different treatments and therapies.

To carry on his legacy, Pete’s family told the news outlet that they will continue the challenge each August until there is a cure. Pete is survived by his wife and daughter and his funeral Mass will be held on December 13. Rest in peace to an incredible individual.

Have a look at past celebrity #icebucketchallenge participants to keep Pete’s memory alive. He took a terrible sickness and banded the world together behind finding a cure through a simple social media challenge. Tell others about his great work today.