The ALS patient who inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge has died

quote:

---

Peter Frates, whose battle with ALS inspired the viral 'Ice Bucket Challenge,' has died at the age of 34, his family announced Monday in a statement through Boston College.

Frates, who was diagnosed with ALS at age 27, championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and was nominated in 2014 to be Time Magazine's "Person of the Year," alongside fellow ALS warrior Pat Quinn.

"Remarkably, Pete never complained about his illness. 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," his family said.

The ALS Association said that the Ice Bucket Challenge wound up increasing its cash flow by 187%, giving the associated the ability to put $90 million into new research from 2013-2018.

The ice bucket challenge has raised more than $200 million worldwide for research into ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Participants would challenge others to share videos of themselves dumping a bucket of icy water over their own heads to raise awareness. The fundraiser began in 2014 when pro golfer Chris Kennedy challenged his wife’s cousin Jeanette Senerchia, whose husband has ALS.

---