BOSTON – It’s been ten years now Pete Frates’ ALS Charity movement went all over the world. “How many mothers can say their child has made a difference in the world?” said an emotional Nancy Frates.
For Pete Frates’ biggest fan, this milestone feels bittersweet. Ten years ago that her son wanted to change the fight against ALS. The viral global Ice Bucket Challenge has raised many millions and led to more research and better care.
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“When Pete was diagnosed, we didn’t even know where the tunnel was for a cure. Today we are not alone in the tunnel. We can see the cure. We just need people to stay with us,” she said.
Ray Bourque helps with fundraising mission
Pete Frates died in 2019 at the age of 34, seven years after his ALS diagnosis. Pete was an inspiration to all of us – even Pete’s own heroes. Today, Boston Bruins legend Ray Bourque is helping move this case toward healing.
“When he was diagnosed, he asked the doctor, ‘What’s going to happen?’ She said ‘money.’ He said, ‘How much?’ She said, “a billion dollars.” He looked at her and said, ‘I’m working on it,’” Ray Bourque recalled.
The new issue of Boston Man Magazine highlights this powerful partnership. As the Frates family encourages a new wave of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the Bourque Family Foundation will rededicate their Captain’s Ball to Pete’s mission in September.
“He would be the first to celebrate here. Being his mother and losing him makes celebrating a little difficult. We celebrate him for what he has done and we celebrate what will happen as we continue this fight.” Nancy Frates added.
July McDonald
