PEABODY — Nancy Frates captivated a crowd at the North Shore Chamber’s June breakfast forum, speaking about her family’s dedication to fighting for ALS treatment and care for patients and their families.
On March 13, 2012, Frates’ 27-year-old son, Peter, was diagnosed with ALS — Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The family’s world changed in a moment. The Frates family was told there was no treatment or cure for ALS.
Since that day, Frates has immersed herself in the ALS community as an advocate and thought leader. She has traveled to the offices of CEOs; Senators; Congressmen; top doctors; and governmental authorities.
She has testified on Capitol Hill; at the White House; to FDA panels. She has built strong relationships between the ALS Association and new strategic business partners — such as Facebook and Major League Baseball.
In August 2014, Peter, along with family and supporters — better known as Team Frate Train — inspired the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to go viral — raising $220 million for the ALS Association and its global partners.
Peter passed away a little over 5 years later, on December 9, 2019, at the age of 34.
Today, Nancy continues her late son’s mission through her passionate work for the Peter Frates Family Foundation. She inspires others with her family’s story of resilience and determination, while continuing the momentum created for their cause — ALS.
She told the Chamber audience that Pete lived by this affirmation:
- To be passionate
- To be genuine
- To be hard working
- And to never be afraid to be great
2024 is the 10-year anniversary of the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Frates attended the breakfast with her husband, John, and son, Andrew. They announced the family will bring back its popular Polar Plunge in late December. Stay tuned for full details.
Thank you to the following Presenting sponsors of the breakfast event: Institution For Savings, Eastern Bank, McLane Middleton, and Windrush Farm, as well as Title sponsor Connolly Brothers.
The Peter Frates Family Foundation is a proud member of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Please support the work of the Foundation and visit www.petefrates.com.