Help Support Me as I Run the Boston Marathon as an ALS Charity Runner

This week I was given one of the best birthday presents I could ever ask for - A spot in this April's Boston Marathon as a charity runner for The ALS Association (Lou Gehrig's Disease.)  As I prepare for Boston, I must raise $5,000.  So here's how it all came about.

Two years ago, I decided that it was time to check running a marathon off of my "Things to do before I get too old list."  Despite spending my Saturdays in ice baths, going through two boxes of band-aids, losing two toenails, relying on Body Glide (don't ask) to get me through the week, and getting stuck behind a guy wearing nothing but a hospital gown and fake derriere during the race, I consider completing a marathon one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Memorable, yes, but I can't say it was 100% rewarding.  Upon crossing the finish line, I had two immediate regrets: One, I had trained and raced alone, and two, I didn't run with purpose.  Throughout the 26.2 mile trek, I was amazed by the passion and camaraderie of the many "charity runners" entered in the race.  These runners had trained with small groups and raised money for a cause during their quest to call themselves "marathoners" or "half-marathoners."  While I was questioning my sanity and eating every banana within sight upon finishing, the charity runners were rejoicing their accomplishments in a wave of emotion, knowing that they had truly made a difference.

At that moment, a light bulb appeared and an idea emerged. Luckily, being enrolled in MBA classes at Xavier University offered the perfect opportunity to sculpt the idea!

Enter Iron Phi.

Iron Phi is a new philanthropic initiative within Phi Delta Theta (where I work) that has the potential to capture the energy, competitive drive, youthfulness, and philanthropic nature of our members.  Iron Phi's mission is to strengthen the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the impact it has on the fight against Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) through the fundraising and athletic efforts of its members.  Lou Gehrig was a Phi Delt and ALS is the Fraternity's charity of choice.

To become an "Iron Phi" members of Phi Delta Theta (undergraduates and alumni) must select an athletic endeavor (marathon, half-marathon, running relay, 5K, triathlon, ironman, bike race, etc.), raise $1,000 as they train for that athletic event, and accomplish the athletic event itself. It is our goal to have a select number of large-scale Iron Phi events each year across North America, with the first one occurring at the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati this May.  We also envision our members becoming Iron Phis through chapter or individual-led athletic endeavors in local communities.

Fifty percent of all Iron Phi fundraising dollars will be sent to The ALS Association to fight Lou Gehrig's Disease.  The other half will support the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, an entity that has provided me with great experiences, opportunties, core values, and friends. 

Nicknamed the "Iron Horse" for his perseverance, Lou Gehrig considered himself "the luckiest man on the face of this earth" upon retirement despite having a terminal illness that ultimately took his life.  Lou was the ultimate Iron Phi.  Today, more than 5,600 people each year suffer from ALS, a disease that ultimately takes their lives.

The Iron Phi concept has led me to the opportunity to run in the Boston Marathon.  Now I need your help! Would you please consider making a donation?  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 at 105 Junefield Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45218 if you'd rather donate that way.

I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.  Oh yeah, to all my Phi Delt buddies, this is also a challenge to you to join us and become an Iron Phi yourself.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Steve

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