HomeZachary Bertrand
Indiana Mu - IUPUI
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to My Personal Iron Phi Page
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.
My Iron Phi Challenge is this: for every total of $5 donated, I will run 1 mile to raise awareness for ALS. I will raise $1,000 over the course of this semester, ending on May 5th. Afterwards, I will begin running 200 miles over the course of the summer. I will end the summer finishing the 200 miles with a 5K run that my fraternity is organizing. If I am able to raise more than $1,000 miles then I will run more than 200 miles.
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! Would you please consider making any donation (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble)? 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. If you prefer to send a personal check, you may contact me at zbertrand9@gmail.com.
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 Bertrand
My Personal Web Log
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Second Iron Phi Run
On May 16, 2018 I ran for the second time. I am having trouble finding time to set aside so that I'm not running in the heat of the day, so for now, I will suck it up. I'll run when I have the time!
Total Distance: 3.1 miles.
Total Time: 25:00 (min:sec).
Average Mile: 8:06 (min:sec).
Elevation Gain: -- ft.
Area: Indianapolis Canal Walk.
by Zachary Bertrand on Wed, May 23, 2018 @ 1:09 PM
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First Iron Phi Run
I have began running on May 8th, 2018. This was my first run! I had to slow down a few times for a break since I haven't ran like this in a while. My mile time used to be six minutes flat, but I was averaging 5:34 per mile while running. I believe if I can complete a 5k without needing to slow down, I can get my mile time under 6 minutes!
Total Distance: 3.1 miles.
Total Time: 34:40 (min:sec).
Average Mile: 11:05 (min:sec).
Elevation Gain: 71 ft.
Area: Country Club Pines.
by Zachary Bertrand on Wed, May 23, 2018 @ 1:05 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.”
