Massachusetts: Frates Ice Bucket Challenge Still Having An Amazing Impact
It’s been nine years since the Pete Frates-inspired Ice Bucket challenge took over the nation. However, there is still a significant ripple effect transpiring. In fact, earlier this month Frates’ family participated in another rendition of dumping ice over your head in an effort to raise ALS awareness.
Boston News 25 reported that “Dozens of people poured cold water on their heads while standing on the steps outside the State House on Wednesday (August 9) after former Gov. Charlie Baker declared August Ice Bucket Challenge Month.”
“It’s a mixed emotion day,” Pete’s mother, Nancy Frates, said. “We are committed to this mission to find a cure for this disease, so we’re going to come back every August until a cure,” News 25 shared.
Over the past nine years since the launch of the Ice Bucket Challenge, $220 million has been raised to go towards ALS research. NPR explained that, “The ALS Association said that $2.2 million of funds that were raised from the Ice Bucket Challenge went into funding the development and trial of the new drug that the Food and Drug Administration approved this week for treatment of ALS.”
NPR also highlighted how much the Ice Bucket Challenge impact has sped up the fight against ALS (also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). The new drug (Relyvrio, made by Amylyx Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, MA) is not a cure. However, it does slow down some of the effects of this fatal disease.
Pete Frates
A former captain of the Boston College baseball team, Frates was a native of Beverly, MA. He was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2012 at the age of 27. Frates lived passionately with the disease until the age of 34. Upon being diagnosed, Frates and his family set out to bring awareness. Their efforts went towards research and starting a foundation to ultimately find a cure. Frates’ slogan was, “Be passionate, be genuine, be hardworking, and don’t ever be afraid to be great.”
To learn more about Frates Foundation, its impact, or initiatives to get involved, you can visit PeteFrates.com.
Six Of New England's Best RV Sites
Massachusetts - Pine Lake RV Resort
These grounds were completely renovated and reopened in November 2020. It is located in Sturbridge, which is in the south-central region of the state. There is an eight-acre lake onsite, a large pool, and an indoor recreation center for movies and games. Pine Lake also has cottages that you can rent.
Connecticut - Acres High RV Park
Labeled a “luxurious camping resort,” Acres High is open year round. It is located in East Lyme, CT off Chesterfield Rd. There’s a large fishing pond that has a beach area on the south side and a brook with paddle boats available. There are great hikes right at the base of the grounds. Moreover, if you’d like to explore attractions in close proximity to the park, Foxwoods Casino and the Children’s Museum are a close drive.
Rhode Island - Ashaway RV Resort
Settled peacefully near Westerly, RI, Ashaway inspires relaxation. It’s more of a flat ground, but does allow bikes to explore the all the sites. You can chill with your feet up at Ashaway or you can be very active. There are go-carts, basketball courts, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, and mini-golf.
New Hampshire - Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
There are 152 campsites with 65 full hookups for RV’s. Sea Coast is right off US Route 1 in North Hampton, NH. It is surrounded by green trees. The closest shoreline beach is just four miles from the grounds. Onsite they are pet friendly and offer a large playground. While there is not a ton of swimming options outside your door, this is a great location to hit multiple New Hampshire vacation favorites. In addition to the stretches of beach, Portsmouth is only eight miles up the road.
Vermont - Sugar Ridge RV Village
Sugar Ridge is settled on 68 acres of maple and pine trees. You can even rent 40-foot campers at this family-friendly village. It is located on Old Stagecoach Rd. in Danville, VT. There are two swimming pools, horse wagon rides, and dedicated hiking and bike trails. Sugar Ridge organizes daily activities you can partake in as well.
Maine - Balsam Woods, Spacious Skies
Spacious Skies has two locations in Maine, however, Balsam Woods is where RV’s go to really feel the spacious sky overhead. This is in Abbot, Maine, and while you share the grounds with cabins, you have the choice to pull your RV up to a woods or non-woods site. Regardless, there are miles of hiking trails. As for unique amenities – gem mining or jumping on a giant pillow trampoline anyone?
