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Man who inspired ice bucket challenge is back in hospital

Former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates, center left, and his brother Andrew, center right, pose for a photo with members of the Boston College baseball team after Pete was presented with the 2017 NCAA Inspiration Award, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at his home in Beverly, Mass. The NCAA honored Frates who inspired the ice bucket challenge that raised millions of dollars for Lou Gehrig's disease research. Frates was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Former Boston College baseball captain Pete Frates, center left, and his brother Andrew, center right, pose for a photo with members of the Boston College baseball team after Pete was presented with the 2017 NCAA Inspiration Award, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016, at his home in Beverly, Mass. The NCAA honored Frates who inspired the ice bucket challenge that raised millions of dollars for Lou Gehrig's disease research. Frates was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

By Associated Press July 3, 2017 1 min read

BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts man who inspired people around the world to dump buckets of ice water over their heads to raise millions of dollars for Lou Gehrig’s disease research is back in the hospital.

A Facebook post from the family of 32-year-old Pete Frates asked for prayers Sunday and said he is at Massachusetts General Hospital “and battling this beast ALS like a Superhero.”

Frates was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2012. The disease weakens muscles and impairs physical functioning. There is no known cure.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than $220 million when it took off worldwide on social media in 2014.

The family’s Facebook post has drawn hundreds of comments of support. Family members said, “We feel your love and support and are so grateful.”