HomeDaniel Baptista
Florida Kappa - Florida International University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to Daniel's 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 athletic event will span over 30 consecutive days. I will attempt to walk 3 miles a day to reach my goal of 90 miles. 6 years ago I suffered from pleuritis and had surgery. Despite my breathing challenges, I know I can achieve this with your support. I personally am doing this for the ALS families who are suffering and need our help. This event is to inspire other great members of Phi Delta Theta alumni to do the same. This event is dedicated to my adopted Cuban Family fitting as their homeland is only 90 miles away from Key West.
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 $2000. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a 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.
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,
Daniel Baptista, Floida Kappa CAB Chairman
My Personal Web Log
Topics
Day 5
Was informed that i reached $1000.00 and its only Day 5. Excited and blessed. I have great men and women on my team that generously donated. Completed 16.9 miles thus far and ahead of the pace for 90 miles in 30 days. Thank you for your support.
I just increased my goal to $2,000 and will continue to do so each time I eclipse the goal. Thanks to you
by Daniel Baptista on Fri, Mar 05, 2021 @ 5:15 PM
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Day 2
Logged 3.1 miles this morning. Great to see donations arriving from brothers. Thank you Diego to get things started. Big shout out to my big Brother Gino Littlestone for his generosity. I wore my old Phi Delta Theta baseball cap during todays walk given to me by my Big Brother as a token of my appreciation.
Proud to be a Phi.
Total miles accumulated 6.4 miles.
by Daniel Baptista on Tue, Mar 02, 2021 @ 9:41 AM
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Day One in the books
This morning I began my journey taking a route that I have been training for. Logged in 3.3 miles. Felt good and encouraged by my wife. 29 days to go.
Cheers!
by Daniel Baptista on Mon, Mar 01, 2021 @ 10:08 AM
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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.”
