HomeBraden Kettenring
Kentucky Theta - Eastern Kentucky University
My Iron Phi Story
Braden Kettenring's Iron Phi Page
This spring, I will become an Iron Phi. What is an Iron Phi? In my Fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, it is raising $1000 in support of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) research, eductation, awareness, and treatment. As well as raising money, I will be completing the body Weight Murph and Bluegrass 10k and Fun Run as an atheltic event to support the cause. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and our organization has taken an active role in finding a cure.
The Murph Challenge consists of starting with a 1 mile run. After completion, the next task is battling through 100 pullups, 200 pushups, and 300 body weight squats, splitting up into multiple reps per set. To finish the workout off is another 1 mile run."Murph" is gruesome and challenging to those who attempt it, but nothing compared to the day to day life living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
I've completed the body weight Murph Challenge back in April 2025 but I wanted to do one more event to finish my Iron Phi Campaign strong. Running in the annual July 4th Bluegrass 10k is the perfect challenge. I am not a runner at all but I will push myself to finish for those who can not.
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 by the time I graduate in Spring 2026. Being able to double the Iron Phi goal can double the support an ALS family receives. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $10 (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.
Thank you in advance for your generosity anf your help to battling ALS!
Sincerely,
Braden Kettenring
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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.”
