Milestone event aims to surpass $500,000 raised for ALS care and family support
Special to the Sun
To honor the life and legacy of Cathy Nally and support families impacted by ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), siblings Dan and Betsy Nally will host the 5th Annual Rally 4 Nally Polar Plunge on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Carson Beach. Proceeds from the event will benefit Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) and The Peter Frates Family Foundation, continuing Cathy’s mission to ensure families facing ALS receive compassionate care, critical resources, and hope.
Cathy Nally, of Westwood and Boston, passed away in August 2022 after a courageous two-year battle with ALS. Since its inception, Rally 4 Nally has raised more than $430,000 to support individuals and families living with the disease and to advance critical care and research initiatives. Organizers expect the 2026 event to push total fundraising past $500,000, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the disease.
Event Details
Event: Rally 4 Nally Polar Plunge & Reception
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
Time: Registration opens at 10:00 a.m.; plunge at approximately 11:00 a.m.
Location: Carson Beach Boathouse, William J. Day Blvd., Boston, MA
Post-Plunge Reception: 12:00 p.m. at Loco Taqueria, 412 West Broadway, Boston, MA
To register or donate, visit https://givebutter.com/rally4nally.
“It’s hard to believe that January 3, 2026 will mark our fifth Annual Rally 4 Nally,” said Dan Nally. “This event has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined. With the continued generosity of our community, we’re hopeful that this year will bring us past $500,000 raised for Compassionate Care ALS and The Peter Frates Family Foundation.”
Nally added that the milestone carries special meaning given the realities of ALS. “Every year, approximately 5,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS, and the average life expectancy is less than five years. With no cure and limited options to slow progression, families need immediate support. These two organizations are dedicated to providing grants, equipment, education, and peace of mind so families can focus on cherishing time together.”
Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals living with ALS, along with their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers, through comprehensive services addressing both physical and emotional needs. The organization became a lifeline for the Nally family early in Cathy’s diagnosis, providing hands-on guidance and support throughout her journey.
The Peter Frates Family Foundation is a grant-based organization that assists families with the overwhelming cost of in-home care as ALS progresses. Founded in honor of Pete Frates—diagnosed with ALS at age 27—the foundation continues his legacy of advocacy and action. A former Boston College baseball captain, Frates helped launch the viral Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, which raised more than $225 million worldwide for ALS research and family support. Funding from that effort contributed to new treatment development, including Relyvrio, approved by the FDA in September 2022.
To mark the fifth anniversary, the Nally family has set an online fundraising goal of $55,000, with additional proceeds raised through a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a post-plunge celebration. Community members are invited to take the plunge, donate online, or support the effort from afar in Cathy Nally’s memory by visiting https://givebutter.com/rally4nally.