A former college baseball player, Peter Frates who was diagnosed at age 27 with ALS, championed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, a global viral sensation raising funds and awareness for ALS research. The immense participation generated crucial funds, over $220 million, leading to significant strides in understanding the disease. This being the 10 year anniversary of this historical movement, we celebrate research advancements including the discovery of new genetic factors contributing to ALS and the development of potential treatments targeting disease mechanisms. Frates' legacy continues to drive progress in the quest for effective ALS therapies.

With Pete’s passing in December 2019, John and Nancy Frates found a piece of their next chapter in Bonita Bay, Florida. After joining the club, John went to the BB East course to golf as a single. He promptly was assigned to a cart with a BB Naples member Tom Lindberg. After quick introductions, they set out to the course. Before reaching the 1st tee these 2 members became instant family. You see they each shared that they had lost a child to disease in 2019.

At age 27 the Lindberg’s had lost their daughter Nicole to Leukemia after a 26 month battle at Yale Hospital and Sloan Kettering in NYC where they witnessed a lot of suffering and the need for a better support system. “We saw so many people that didn’t have their parents, siblings or friends at their side and it was then that we decided we should try to fill the emotional healing and financial gap to the extent possible. To honor Nicole’s kindheartedness this became our “healing mission,” said Tom.

Since their fortuitous meeting, Tom and Sue, Nancy and John have become great friends as they navigate their new reality. They share many similarities of this new normal but the one main avenue for healing is their commitment to helping others. The result is the formation of Friends of Peter Frates Family Foundation (petefrates.com) and the Lindberg’s Journey to Better Effort (journeytobetter.org). The Peter Frates and Nicole Lindberg Memorial Golf Tournament is the result of their families’ efforts to assist those in need. All proceeds will go to the two organizations to help with their missions. Please go to the respective websites for more information on the organizations.