Rising to the “Ice Bucket Challenge” for ALS

John and Nancy Frates' son Peter helped turn the challenge viral on social media

The "Ice Bucket Challenge" has been spreading on social media like wildfire.

Thursday, dozens participated in one such challenge in Boston's Copley Square.

The story behind the challenge involves a 29-year-old man named Peter Frates fighting ALS, also known as Lou Gherig's disease.

Peter's parents, John and Nancy, joined Broadside to talk about the challenge.

Nancy says the challenge started for another disease, but quickly started into a challenge for ALS after her son contacted mutual friends of another friend with ALS to pour buckets of water over their head.

John says the challenge going viral helps.

"It does raise awareness. We heard from so many from the ALS association and groups saying their donations are up anywhere from four to 10 times," he said. "It is working, there's no doubt about it." 

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