The man who inspired the ice bucket challenge that has raised millions for ALS research is being honored at Boston City Hall.
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is hosting a rally Tuesday for Pete Frates at City Hall Plaza. The event coincides with the release of a new book on Frates.
‘The Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight against ALS’ was written by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge. Half of its proceeds benefit the Frates family.
Pete Frates (left) appears with his wife Julie (center) and daughter Lucy (right) after he was presented with the 2017 NCAA Inspiration Award on December 13, 2016
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on social media in the summer of 2014. It involves dumping a bucket of ice and water over a persons head, either self-administered or by another person.
The challenge was intended to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease and motor neurone disease). Participants nominated three others after completing the challenge. Nominees had 24 hours to do the same or donate to the ALS Association.
Pete Frates, a Boston College alumni, was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 at the age of 27 inspired millions of dollars in donations for research on ALS. He was a baseball pitcher for BC and went on to be a professional player in Europe.
Former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates, center left, receives a kiss from Boston College head baseball coach Mike Gambino after Frates was presented with the 2017 NCAA Inspiration Award, during ceremonies in Frates home in Beverly, Massachusetts on December 13, 2016
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (right center) and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito (third from left) participate in the Ice Bucket challenge with Pete Frates (center) on August 10, 2015
Governor Charlie Baker (right) chats with Pete Frates after Baker and others participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge on August 10, 2015
Walsh will declare September 5 as Pete Frates Day in Boston.
Frates and his wife Julie were married in 2013. The couple and Frates’ whole family ‘have taken an active role in raising awareness and funds for ALS research’, according to his website.
Frates, his family, the book authors, Boston Red Sox officials and the Boston College baseball team are expected to attend.
Before he was diagnosed, Pete Frates (pictured), was captain of the Boston College baseball team
Former Yankees player Derek Jeter (right) met the former Boston College pitcher Pete Frates before the final game of Jeter’s career on September 28, 2014
‘The Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight against ALS’ was written by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge and half of its proceeds will benefit the Frates family