Pete Frates will share his story in a memoir

BOSTON — A local man who raised millions of dollars for ALS by inspiring the Ice Bucket Challenge will now have his story written in a memoir.

Pete Frates and his wife Julie announced Wednesday they are partnering with Dave Wedge and Casey Sherman, authors of “Boston Strong,” to write a book about Frates’ life.

“It’s about our family growing together and taking this on, kind of publicly,” said Pete’s wife, Julie.

The book also comes with the option of movie rights, which the Frates said was an exciting opportunity.

Pete, who is now on a ventilator and unable to speak, has already been doing interviews with Wedge and Sherman thanks to a computer that can read and translate his eye movements.

“It’s just about how you work together as a family, and you can take something as terrible as a diagnosis of ALS and use it as a motivation, and push forward,” Julie said.

Pete was diagnosed with ALS in 2012, and in the years since he and Julie have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and money to fight the disease, most famously with the Ice Bucket Challenge.

In 2014, the Frates raised over $200 million with the Challenge, garnering the attention of sports stars and celebrities alike.

“I don’t think the Ice Bucket Challenge would have taken off the way it did, were it not for the Boston connections that Pete has,” Julie said.

Julie said the book will focus on the importance of the Boston community in their lives, as well as their own desire to have a family, despite Pete’s diagnosis.

In 2014 the couple welcomed their daughter, Lucy, who Julie said remains a source of inspiration for Pete.

“She’s just such a positive light, she keeps us going. She’s the reason we do all of this, and she’s the reason we want to keep this guy around for a long time,” Julie said.

The Frates remain active in their fundraising efforts, and will next host “Pints for Pete” at the Lansdowne Pub in Fenway on May 5.

Cox Media Group