HomeTyler Cronk
Iowa Gamma - Iowa State University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to My Iron Phi Page
Family, Friends, and fellow Phi Delts,
A few months ago, in the process of transitioning to life after college, I decided to start checking items off my Lifetime To-Do List. Around this time I heard about a program called Iron Phi through Steve Good, a friend and fellow member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Add a little encouragement from another good friend and Phi - Eric Snyder - and I had acquired the necessary ingredients to pursue my first post-graduation challenge.
This year I'll be attempting to become an "Iron Phi" - a distinction given to a small percentage of members within my fraternity. The Iron Phi program's mission strengthens the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease through the athletic and fundraising efforts of the members of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and our organization has taken an active role in finding a cure.
Nicknamed the "Iron Horse" for his perseverance, Lou Gehrig considered himself "the luckiest man on the face of this earth" upon his retirement, despite having a terminal illness that took his life. Lou was the ultimate Iron Phi. Today, more than 5,600 people each year suffer from ALS, a disease that ultimately takes their lives.
To become an Iron Phi, undergraduate and alumni members of Phi Delta Theta must select an athletic endeavor (marathon, half-marathon, triathlon, ironman, bike race, etc.), raise $1,000 as they train for that athletic event, and accomplish the athletic event itself.
Inspired by Lou's story, I have decided to run the 2010 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. At the beginning of October, I will be making the 26.2 mile run! What started as a means to accomplish a personal goal has turned into a dynamic opportunity to raise money and awareness for ALS.
I set my personal target at $1,000.00 and am asking for your help reaching my goal. Any involvement - whether financial or supportive - will contribute to my success come race day. Please consider making a donation. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. If you are more comfortable writing a check, please make it payable to "Iron Phi" and send it to my new address: 2339 Crystal Bay SW, Rochester, MN 55902.
The net proceeds of Iron Phi support ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research, education, screening and treatment. It will also help strengthen the Phi Delta Theta organization which has had a lasting impact on my life. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Yours,
Tyler
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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.”
