Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight Against ALS

Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight Against ALS

The Ice Bucket Challenge was a global phenomenon that swept through social media platforms in 2014, significantly raising awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Central to this movement was Pete Frates, a former Boston College baseball player diagnosed with ALS in 2012. His courage and activism played a pivotal role in the challenge's viral spread, making it one of the most successful awareness campaigns in the history of social media.

Background

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and, eventually, paralysis. The cause of ALS is not fully understood, and there is no cure. The Ice Bucket Challenge aimed to raise both awareness and funds for research into this devastating disease.

Pete Frates

Born on December 28, 1984, in Beverly, Massachusetts, Pete Frates was an accomplished athlete who excelled in baseball. He went on to play for Boston College before playing professionally in Europe. In 2012, at the age of 27, Frates was diagnosed with ALS, a turning point that marked the beginning of his advocacy against the disease.

The Ice Bucket Challenge

The Ice Bucket Challenge involved participants pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads and then nominating others to do the same within 24 hours or donate to ALS research. Pete Frates, along with his family and friends, were instrumental in making the challenge go viral in the summer of 2014. Celebrities, athletes, politicians, and millions of people around the world participated, leading to unprecedented visibility for ALS and significant fundraising success.

Impact

The Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $220 million worldwide for ALS research. This influx of funds has supported advanced research, leading to important scientific discoveries about the genetic underpinnings of the disease and potential treatments. The challenge also demonstrated the power of social media as a tool for raising awareness and funds for charitable causes.

Legacy

Pete Frates passed away on December 9, 2019, but his legacy lives on through the continued efforts to find a cure for ALS. The Ice Bucket Challenge remains a landmark event in the history of philanthropy and social media activism, illustrating how a simple act can mobilize millions and lead to real change.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight Against ALS

Ice Bucket Challenge: Pete Frates and the Fight Against ALS is a rare disease.