In Honor of the Late Pete Frates

Floor Speech

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Mrs. TRAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the late Pete Frates, a global icon and champion for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research and awareness. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts and former Boston College baseball player, Pete Frates passed away on December 9, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with ALS. Diagnosed with the disease in 2012, Pete spent his numbered days raising funds and awareness for ALS research through his social media phenomenon, the ``ALS Ice Bucket Challenge,'' sparking a global movement that ignited 17 million people into action in order to raise $115 million for the cause. Pete lived his life selflessly, leaving behind a strong legacy and lessons we can all learn from--be kind to one another and when faced with adversity, face it bravely and help others like you. Eight years ago, Pete received a terrible diagnosis and a hopeless prognosis. Instead of falling into a cycle of self-pity and remorse, Pete saw this as an opportunity to help others suffering with ALS. At the time, Pete looked at the one life he had and saw its incredible worth. He then took this one step further, springing into action to improve the lives of others. My heart goes out to Pete's mother and father, wife, child, and friends. I know they will carry on his legacy and continue his courageous work to bring the world one step closer to the eradication of ALS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man whose life is an inspiration to us all. Pete Frates did not die in vain.

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