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 purpose of becoming Iron Phi is to support the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and our organization has taken an active role in finding a cure.

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.

I am also personally connected to this fight. I lost my grandfather, Bob Moranda, to ALS when I was too young to remember him. My family has told me incredible stories about him, and I really wish I had gotten the chance to get to know him. I see my Iron Phi event as a way to honor his memory, and hopefully contribute to finding a cure for such an awful disease. 

In order to become an Iron Phi, members must do two things. The first is to complete a challenging athletic event. Originally, I was planning on running the Lincoln Marathon on May 3rd, 2020. However, this marathon was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After due consideration, I have decided that I am going to run the Marathon independently. I am going to map out a route and record my own time, and submit that to the Lincoln Marathon administration team. I owe a big thank you to Brother Cameron Nielsen for not only helping me plan the route and water stops for my "Do-It-Yourself" Marathon, but also for being the push that I needed to commit to this event. This will be my first marathon, and I have been training for it since January. I hope to complete the race in under 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The second thing is to raise money for the fight against Lou Gehrig disease. I've set my personal goal at $1000. Donations are tax-deductable, and any size donation is appreciated. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. If it's more convenient, you can also venmo me at @NoahBrady or send a check made out to Iron Phi to me at 3557 Cass St. Omaha, NE 68131. The proceeds will go to the LiveLikeLou Foundation, an organization that supports ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research, education, screening and treatment. 

Thank you for your support

Best,

Noah Brady