Welcome to Gary Bredehoft'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 the organization (Phi Delta Theta).

The race I will be participating in is the Pigman Half Ironman in Cedar Rapids Iowa on August 22, 2010. I will be racing in honor of my mother who was diagnosed with ALS in November 2009. Her strength and determination through this is an inspiration to me. Through the past 20 years she has always cared for my father who has MS. Now with this diagnosis she is more worried about him then herself. This will be a tough time for me and my family, I pray to God for his strength and support, I have always been a strong person but I will be tested in the near future.

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?  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 to Iron Phi to me at 2700 Winthrop Rd., Lincoln, NE 68502 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.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Gary L. Bredehoft

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