We Do It For Lou

In 2011, I became an Iron Phi. The mission of Iron Phi Challenge 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 also helps strengthen Phi Delta Theta that has had a lasting impact on my life.

I wanted to support Phi Delta Theta's commitment to fight this cruel and fatal disease. I know and have known victims of Lou Gehrig's disease. As a Phi Delt alum and former Kansas Epsilon chapter advisor, I wanted to do my part to both help the cause, but to also set an example for our undergraduates and alumni.

My plan was to participate in a self-designed challenge to honor local Famous Phi William Allen White in this 150th year of Kansas Statehood (1861-2011). Brother White has been designated by a panel of historians and journalists the most influential Kansan in all of state history trumping the contributions of President Eisenhower, Senators Dole and Kassebaum Baker, among many others.

William Allen White was born in Emporia in 1868. Then, the town was a mile square, a grid of standard city blocks and street easements. Twelve blocks equal a mile. Thirteen streets run north and south and thirteen streets run east and west. To walk the historic town site approximates 26 miles, the length of a marathon.

I began my plan on January 1, 2011 photo documenting my walk of historic Emporia adding informative captions.

NOTE: As of the 150th anniversary of Kansas Statehood (01/29/2011), I completed my trek of old Emporia. I walked 424 city blocks within the circa 1868 mile-square historic town equaling 36.4 miles.

I continue to build on my Iron Phi account. I give step-on guided driving tours of historic Emporia for the Visit Emporia! Bureau donating my fee to Iron Phi.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Sincerely,
Roger Heineken Kansas Epsilon #160