HomeJohn Zachary Bastin
Ohio Epsilon - University of Akron
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to My Personal 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 an organization (Phi Delta Theta) that has had a lasting impact on my life.
Earlier this year I ran in the Rite Aid Cleveland 10k (held in conjunction with the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon and Half Marathon.) At the conclusion of this run I decided that I would up the mileage and run a half marathon. The race in which I will be training for is the Roadrunner Akron Half Marathon which will be held on September 25th, 2010. This will be my first half marathon and I felt that it would be a great opportunity to also raise money for ALS and the Phi Delta Theta Foundation.
** UPDATE: I successfully completed my first half marathon on September 25th!! While I completed my athletic goal, I have not completed my fundraising goal and thus have decided to continue to participate in events until my goal is reach. Therefore, my next event with be on October 23rd, 2010 at the OhioOutside.com Trail Series 5 Mile Trail Run in Munroe Falls, Ohio. I will continue to update this site as I complete and schedule events until I reach my goal. Thank you for all of your support!! **
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 $2,500 (and our local chapter, of which I am the advisor for, has set a goal to raise $10,000.) So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation? Any amount would be greatly appreciated as it will be another step towards finding a cure. 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 1415 Beechnut Drive, Akron, Ohio 44312, if you'd rather donate that way.
I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in both the run and my fundraising efforts.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Sincerely,
J Zachary Bastin
University of Akron '99
Ohio Epsilon
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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.”
