HomeEric Nicosia
Pennsylvania Mu - Widener University
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.
When I was a kid, I would have laughed at the idea of me running a longer distance then a soccer field. But, as the years went on, I slowly saw myself transform from an overweight child to an average high school sprinter and eventually into someone who sought long distance running challengers when a become a cross country runner. So this September 19, 2010, I would like to take the next step. I raced the 10-mile Philadelphia Broad Street Run in April of 2009 and now want to take it to the next level by participating the in the ING Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon, a distance of 13.1 miles.
Why do I continue to punish my body like this? Well, I befriended a group of crazy cross country runners and a beyond incredible coach in high school who taught me that true heart and character can only be shown in doing something beyond your established limitations.
I continued to learn about testing and exceeding your limitations in college through academics and Phi Delta Theta. But also about giving support to communities that truly needs help to overcome great challenges:
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 [$1,000]. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of [$25]? 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 (insert address) 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,
Eric William Nicosia Bond # 300
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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.”
