HomeJered Holder
Texas Tau - The University of Texas at El Paso
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to Jered Holder's Iron Phi Page
Throughout this year, I'll be challenging myself to live up to the title of Iron Phi - a distinction given to a small percentage of members within my Fraternity. The mission of Iron Phi is to strengthen the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the impact it has on the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease through the fundraising and athletic efforts of its members. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and our organization has taken an active role in finding a cure.
The net proceeds will support ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research, education, screening and treatment. It will also help strengthen an organization (Phi Delta Theta) that has made a lasting impression on my life.
To become an Iron Phi, I was required to raise money for ALS research and challenge myself physically. In order to do this, I participated in the El Paso Half Marathon (13.1 mi.) on March 6, 2011, and the Bataan Memorial Death March (26.2 mi.) at White Sands, NM on March 27, 2011. Next I will be participating in the Iron Turkey 5K in El Paso, TX on November 24, 2011. Becoming an Iron Phi is a goal that I set for myself over a year ago, and now that I have achieved it, I want to set the bar even higher. Becoming the first Iron Phi at the University of Texas at El Paso is a tremendous honor, but now I want to help my chapter become an Iron Phi chapter by reaching our collective goal of $10,000.
According to The ALS Association's web site, approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. The onset of the disease typically occurs as early as the age of 40. What's even more alarming is that veterans that have served in the Persian Gulf region, especially Army veterans, are twice as likely as the general population to be diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a disease that strikes close to home with me and that's why I'm becoming an Iron Phi. To do something bold about Lou Gehrig's disease.
I've set my personal goal at $2,500, so I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $25? If $25 is too much, please feel free to help by sending any amount that you can afford. Every little bit will help me to meet my goal. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. You can also send a check made out to Iron Phi to me at 2400 N. Stanton St. El Paso, TX 79902-3113 if you'd rather donate that way.
I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.
Thank you in advance for believing in me and for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Jered Holder
My Personal Web Log
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Bataan Memorial Death March 2011... DONE!
Sunday I completed the Bataan Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile Range, NM. I have to say, it was quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever done physically. I walked from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM straight. As embarrassing as it is to say, I wanted to quit several tines during the day. To keep myself going, I used the thought of those who endured the original march in 1942 and the inspiration of Wounded Warriors from OIF/OEF participating on Sunday, most of whom were missing one, if not both legs. It was an unforgettable experience. Now it's time to start training for the Marathon 2 Marathon in October.
by Jered Holder on Tue, Mar 29, 2011 @ 1:06 AM
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2011 El Paso Half Marathon... DONE!
This morning I ran the El Paso Half Marathon. My final time was 2:59:16, due to some really nasty leg cramps around mile 8. Nevertheless, I'm really glad to say that I made it to the end and now I am getting excited about the Bataan Memorial Death March coming up in 2 weeks. I better start drinking water and stretching now!
by Jered Holder on Sun, Mar 06, 2011 @ 9:15 PM
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World's Fastest 10K... DONE!
This morning I ran the World's Fastest 10K in El Paso. It was a great event to get me started on my journey to become an Iron Phi. I ended up finishing around the middle of the pack with a time of 52:59.
by Jered Holder on Sun, Mar 28, 2010 @ 10:54 PM
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How Does My Donation Make a Difference?
Your donation towards an Iron Phi athlete equally supports two very important things: Supporting ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through research and support of ALS families and leadership development for undergraduate members of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
At the end of each year calendar year, the LiveLikeLou Foundation grants dollars raised through Iron Phi to fund its initiatives that support ALS research, scholarships to support the higher education goals of ALS dependents, and summer camp experiences for children who have a parent or grandparent with ALS.
Dollars used for undergraduate leadership development have and continue to help Phi Delta Theta educate more of its undergraduate members as they work to “Become the Greatest Version of Themselves.”
