Pete Frates, a former Boston College standout baseball player who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012, died this week at the age of 34. He leaves behind an incredible legacy both inside and outside the sports world, and the tributes we saw to him and his family were proof of that.
Frates was the inspiration behind the popular “Ice Bucket Challenge” in 2014, which involved people dumping buckets of ice water on their head and nominating friends and family to do the same in order to raise money and awareness for ALS. It became a viral sensation in 2014 and helped raise millions of dollars for ALS research.
Frates always maintained a great sense of humor while fighting ALS. He focused his time and attention on helping others who are battling the disease and created the Peter Frates Family Foundation along with his friends and family. After the news of his passing spread, many took to Twitter to praise Frates and his family.
RIP Pete Frates. You will never be forgotten for all that you have done for bringing awareness to ALS. Pete faced his fears of being diagnosed with ALS and used it as fuel to continue to live an amazing loving life. We will all miss you!!
— Lou Merloni (@LouMerloni) December 9, 2019
When the cure for ALS is found Pete Frates will be one of the first names mentioned when people ask how it happened. What a fight he put forth. Rest In Peace.
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) December 9, 2019
Thanks to Pete Frates one of the most charitable efforts in world history was launched. From July 29 to August 29, 2014, $100 million was raised for ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge. That’s more than had been raised for ALS in a year.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 9, 2019
Pete Frates was a game-changer, a true inspiration who literally changed the world. #StrikeOutALS https://t.co/KXgt5M1DN6 https://t.co/rbnvE0sDLY
— Matt Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) December 9, 2019
Pete Frates was the definition of an inspiration.
His courage, determination, and fight made Boston – and the world – proud. The impact he made on all of us will never be forgotten.
The Bruins offer their sincere condolences to the Frates family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/2oFPGVJ4AZ
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 9, 2019
Frates was nominated for TIME’s “Person of the Year” in 2014. He is survived by his wife Julie, daughter Lucy, father John, mother Nancy, sister Jennifer, and brother Andrew.
