HomeNiklas Wiens
California Psi - Loyola Marymount University
My Iron Phi Story
Shoot to End ALS
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This spring, I’m taking on the challenge of becoming an Iron Phi—a title earned by a select group of members within Phi Delta Theta. The Iron Phi program combines athletic achievement with fundraising to support both our Fraternity and its commitment to the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). Lou Gehrig, a legendary athlete and proud Phi Delt, continues to inspire our efforts. Through this challenge, I’m proud to contribute to our Fraternity’s mission and help push forward the search for a cure.
Why This Cause Matters
Each year, approximately 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As motor neurons break down, the brain loses its ability to control muscle movement—robbing individuals of their strength, mobility, and eventually, their ability to speak, eat, and breathe.
It’s a devastating diagnosis with no known cure—and that’s why I’m stepping up to become an Iron Phi. I want to do something bold and meaningful in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease, and to stand with the individuals and families affected by it every day.
My Event: 1000 Made Free Throws in a Day
As part of my journey to become an Iron Phi, I’ve taken on a challenge that’s both simple in form and powerful in purpose: on April 29th, I’ll be making 1,000 free throws to raise funds and awareness for the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Why free throws? Because they require focus, discipline, and heart—just like the battle faced every day by those living with ALS. Every shot I take represents the relentless determination of those living with this devastating disease, and the hope that together, we can bring about change.
How You Can Help
I’ve set a personal fundraising goal of $1,000, and I can’t reach it without your help.
By clicking the "Make a Gift" link on this page, you can be a part of something bigger—something that truly makes a difference. Every donation, no matter the size, directly supports the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) by funding crucial research, education, early screening, and patient care.
But your support goes even further. It also helps strengthen Phi Delta Theta, the organization that’s had a powerful and lasting impact on my life. Becoming an Iron Phi is more than a title—it’s a commitment to personal growth, brotherhood, and service to others. This journey will challenge me physically, mentally, and emotionally, and I'm proud to take it on in honor of those battling ALS and the legacy of Lou Gehrig.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. Together, we can turn small actions into big change.
Appreciatively,
Niklas Wiens
Loyola Marymount University, California Psi '25
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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.”
