Man who inspired Ice Bucket Challenge gives inspired response to false report of his death
Pete Frates has been readmitted to hospital, but his family say he is battling his condition.
Pete Frates, the man who inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge, is back in hospital but alive.
It had been reported that the 32-year-old, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2012, had died, but he responded defiantly from his bed at Massachusetts General Hospital – with a bit of help from a Pearl Jam classic.
The song is called Alive – and it was met with a warm reception.
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Pete’s condition weakens muscles and impairs physical functioning and has no known cure.
The Ice Bucket Challenge got people around the world to dump freezing water over themselves to help fund research into the disease – raising more than $220 million (£170 million) after taking off in 2014.
Whilst some of his friends sent him messages of support, with one sending him an entire Pearl Jam playlist to help him pull through.
A journalist who reported Pete had died said he was “deeply sorry” for the mistake.
Pete’s family said on Facebook he is “battling this beast ALS like a Superhero”.
