HomeDouglas Tanner
Texas Theta - West Texas A & M University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to My Personal Iron Phi Page
This year, I will attempt to become an Iron Phi -- a distinction earned by a small percentage of members and alumni within my college fraternity. The Iron Phi mission is to strengthen the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the impact it has on the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) through fund raising based on athletic challenges. "Iron Horse" Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees was a Phi Delt member and a victim of ALS, and our organization has taken an active role in seeking a cure.
The proceeds from my effort will join those of others in supporting ALS research, education, screening and treatment. These funds will also help strengthen Phi Delta Theta, an organization that has had a lasting impact on my life. I was one of the founders of the Texas Theta Phi Delt chapter at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) nearly 50 years ago. As I look forward to turning 70 this year, I remain a contributing alumnus of my "fraternity for life."
For my Iron Phi event, I pledge to swim one mile (36 laps) for each $5 you donate. With your support, I will strive to swim at least 200 miles during the remainder of this year. I started swimming in earnest 30 years ago, to regain my health after losing a leg as a result of serious injuries sustained in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. From my lengthy convalescence, I gained insight into what it is like to lose your mobility and potentially your life.
According to the ALS Association's web site, approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. This disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control the muscles throughout the body. The progressive deterioration of these motor neurons eventually leads to immobility and death. At present, there is no cure. That is why I am becoming an Iron Phi: to do something bold about this dreadful disease. Promising medical advances have recently been announced, but much more is needed.
I need your help to reach my personal goal of raising a minimum of $1,000. Please consider donating at least $5 (and multiples of that amount if you can afford it) to enable me to go that extra mile to defeat ALS. You can make a donation from this page by credit card by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer or, if you prefer, mail me a personal check made out to Iron Phi at 7913 Alexandria, Amarillo, TX 79118. Your contribution is fully tax deductible.
I hope you will share this incredible adventure with me by supporting my fund raising effort. On behalf of the thousands of victims of this disease and their families and caregivers, thanks in advance for your generosity.
Doug Tanner, Bond #1, Texas Theta Chapter, Phi Delta Theta
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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.”
