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December 12, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 199 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

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IN HONOR OF THE LATE PETE FRATES; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 199
(Extensions of Remarks - December 12, 2019)

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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    IN HONOR OF THE LATE PETE FRATES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LORI TRAHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2019

  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.

                          ____________________