BEVERLY, MASS. (WHDH) - The Frates family is back where it all began — at home in Beverly — for another Ice Bucket Challenge.
“It’s amazing,” said Pete Frates’ brother, Andrew. “The Beverly community and the North Shore itself is truly remarkable.”
It was 4 years ago that the challenge, co-founded by Pete Frates, went viral. The challenge changed ALS history by raising record amounts of money to fight the deadly disease.
“This is the epicenter,” said Nancy Frates. “We always say that to our friends, everybody that was here, the whole community. Beverly is the epicenter of the Ice Bucket Challenge.”
The community is still rallying to help raise awareness for the fight Pete and so many others are still waging. People like Craig Colby, who has been living with ALS for 11 years.
“We’re all fighters,” Colby said. “I can tell you that, and it’s not gonna stop us.”
Pete wasn’t able to make it himself, but his wife, daughter, and family members made sure his presence was felt throughout the day.
“He knows that we’re here keeping his mission strong, and I think that helps his heart,” Nancy Frates said.
Pete’s mother says the Ice Bucket Challenge is based on a simple statement.
“It was such a statement of love, of good people,” Nancy said, “and that translates worldwide.
7’s Jadiann Thompson was among those who “took the plunge.”
“ALS awareness is a cause that’s been close to my heart since my grandmother died of the disease in the 1990s,” Thompson said.
Each event is a way to honor those who have passed and those whose fight continues.
“It’s a cruel disease,” Colby said, “but it’s also when you get to meet people who we’ve met, it’s kind of a blessing.”
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