HomeMatthew Sharkey
Pennsylvania Mu - Widener University
My Iron Phi Story
Help Matt Sharkey become an Iron Phi
Last year I became the 81st 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.
Each year I participate in a 75 mile cycling marathon, the ALS Express, from Camden County Community College in Blackwood New Jersy, to Morey's Pier in Wildwood New Jersy. This ride takes about 6 hours to complete for the average rider. I achieved my goal last year of completing the ride in 5 hours, fundraising $1000 before I finished. This year I am challenging myself to raise $1500 more and to complete the ALS-Express in under 4:30.
For more information visit:
http://www.als-express.org/
According to The ALS Association's web site, 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 $2500. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $10? You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. You can also pay by check; email me at mgsharkey@mail.widener.edu for info on where to mail a check and who you should make it out to.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Matthew Sharkey
My Personal Web Log
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The Chapter Meeting Marathon
On April 19, 2011 the chapter meeting at Pennsylvania Mu opened at 9:01. At that time I started cycling. I cycled through the entire chapter meeting in an effort to fund raise for ALS. The Chapter meeting consisted of a guest speaker, Melissa Otis (Delta Gamma sister and Greek Adviser at Widener University), nominations and elections of officers, and general business. The entire chapter meeting took 2 hours and 46 minutes. I cycled the entire time (minus 1 minute to fill up on water.) Money for my fund raising efforts is still coming in. Many people have pledged to donate specific amounts. So far the total is up to $341.66! Thank you to my friends family and brothers of Pennsylvania Mu for helping me towards this successful fund raiser.
by Matthew Sharkey on Wed, Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:05 PM
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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.”
