We Do It For Lou

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.

On January 10, 2016 I became an Iron Phi. I raised $1,104.50 and ran a full marathon for the cause. For some this would be the end of their Iron Phi journey, a title claimed, nothing else for them to earn. The Iron Phi journey for me has just started then. I will continue fundraising and completing athletic events that challenge myself. The next challenge is to complete the Bataan Memorial Death March on March 25, 2018. The Bataan Memorial Death March is a challenging march through the high desert terrain of the White Sands Missile Range. The memorial march is conducted in honor of the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II, sacrificing their freedom, health, and, in many cases, their very lives. I will be carrying 40 pounds of gear on my back during this event. As much as it hurt running 26.2 miles I know that I can do more and suffer more for this selfless cause. There are people who are enduring immense pain and suffering day in and day out from a disease that does not have a known cure. They are suffering from ALS. I am not suffering from ALS, I can breathe, I can run, and I can ruck. The least I could do is go through some pain and suffering for a couple hours in order to raise money for a cure. I’m not asking you to donate to my cause, if you do I appreciate it more than you can ever imagine. I am however asking you to at least share what I am trying to accomplish to everyone you know so I can have my word spread to as many people as possible. Becoming an Iron Phi proved that I was capable of raising money for ALS. Now I must continue.

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 $2650. I need your help. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Donation" button.

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,
Zachary Willis