We Do It For Lou

This year, I'll be attempting to become an 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 had a lasting impact on my life.

Come July 4, I will be participating in the Yorktown Independence Day 5k Race, right in the heart of historic Yorktown, Virginia. I will be running through the battlefields where our freedom was gained during the Revolutionary War in an effort to support The ALS Association's efforts, as well as a personal tribute to all of the fine men and women who have fought for our nation. I, myself, am an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet planning on commisioning as a Second Lieutenant in the fall of 2013.  As a cadet, I will be going to Field Training at some point during the summer.  Unfortunately, at this time I do not know when I will go to Field Training, but if it ends up conflicting with the Yorktown Independence Day Race, I assure you I will attend another race at another time in order to help raise money in support of The ALS Association.

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. 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 $1,000. So I need your help. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. If you would rather send a check or pay in person, please let me know and we can arrange it.

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!

Sincerely,
Ronald

Update:  I just found out that I will be attending Maxwell 2, from June 1 to June 28.  So I am participating in the Yorktown Independence Day Race!

Update:  Having just returned from Field Training, a long yet memorable 28 days, I am excited to say that together we've raised $810 dollars, just $190 short of my goal.  I am really looking forward to hitting the $1000 mark, as well attending the Yorktown Independence Day Race this coming week.

Update:  We made it!  As of July 1st, we raised $1000 for The ALS Association, and it couldn't have happened without your support!  I want to thank each and every one of you who has helped me reach my goal, whether through donating or even just motivating me during these past few months.  It's been a long journey, but I'm not finished yet.  On July 4th, I will be running in the Yorktown Independence Day Race, and in good spirit, will be upgrading from the 5k race to the 8k race.  What's a few extra miles, right?  :D  Together, we can make a difference, and we can beat ALS!

Update:  Finished!  $1000, check.  8k, check.  Today I completed the Yorktown Independence Day Race, and I finished strong knowing I had all of your support.  I couldn't be happier to know that so many of you are as inclined as I am to make a difference.  We are spreading awareness and funding the necessary rearch to beat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.  What a great day it is for both America and the ALS community.  Thank you again for all of your support!