Former college baseball player, Pete Frates passed away on Monday at the age of 34.
Frates’ battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease helped inspire the ALS ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ that raised over $200 million to combat the disease. Frates was playing with the Lexington Blue Sox in 2011 when he sustained an injury to his wrist. After noticing it wasn’t healing properly, Frates went through months of testing and was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. His family released a statement:
“A natural born leader and the ultimate teammate, Pete 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. “He was a noble fighter who inspired us all to use our talents and strengths in the service of others.”
Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a motor neuron disease that progressively leads to paralysis. There is no known cure.
