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Do you remember the ice bucket challenge from a few years ago? You would tag a friend and challenge them to either donate $100 to a charity supporting ALS patients, or dump a bucket of ice water on their head.
The inspiration behind the challenge, Peter Frates, has passed away this week at just 34 years old. The ice bucket challenge, which went viral thanks to his family and friends, raised over $200 million worldwide for research toward ALS.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord. Amyotrophic translates to “no muscle nourishment.” When a person’s muscles have no nourishment, their muscles “atrophy,” or waste away.
The disease causes nerve cells to break down, reducing the functionality of the muscles themselves. Sufferers of ALS eventually lose function in their arms, legs, and vital organs, like their lungs.
As of now, there is no standard treatment that truly works, and there is no cure.
Peter Frates, 34 at the time of his passing, was an athlete who grew up in the suburbs of Boston. He played baseball at Boston College during his academic years and went pro in Germany for a while.
When we returned to the US, he played in the amateur leagues for some time. In 2011, a baseball hit Frates in the wrist. No big deal for a seasoned player – but he noticed that it wasn’t healing right.
Months of testing confirmed the worst: It was ALS.
Eventually, Frates’s condition deteriorated to the point where he was in a wheelchair and couldn’t talk. He was fed primarily through a feeding tube as he had lost muscle function in much of his body.
According to the statement released by his family, Frates passed peacefully surrounded by those he loved sometime Monday. News of his passing came just hours after the MLB displayed his cap at a news conference announcing a charity auction to benefit ALS research.
When asked about Frates, ESPN announcer Jon Sciambi said, “I wish Pete could be here, and, Pete, if you’re watching, we love you. Keep fighting, pal.”
Peter Frates is survived by his wife Julie, their one daughter, both of his parents, and two siblings.
“Peter 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,” the family said in a statement. “He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others.”
