HomeNathan Steele
Kansas Delta - Wichita State University
My Iron Phi Story
Nathan Strives for Iron Phi
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.
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.
This fundraising effort has become very important to me since my grandmother passed away in October of 2001. She lost her battle with ALS only 5 months after her diagnosis. One of the worst feelings was knowing she could understand everything we said and did perfectly. She felt the same emotions but she lost her ability to respond after the ALS took hold. I have seen the effects of the disease and I find this as my way of fighting back for those who cannot.
After hearing about the founding of the Iron Phi program I became passionate about the purpose. Just recently I chose to undertake a challenge that I hope would make my grandmother proud. I arrived in Guangzhou, China on February 1 to study business for five months at Sun Yat-sen University. Amidst all of my adventures I will be in Beijing on May 21 to run a 5K on the Great Wall of China. I will attempt to earn the title of Iron Phi but more importantly make my contribution to the fight against ALS. Through my work with my chapter's philanthropy, Dullea Classic, I have been fortunate to meet many amazing people affected by ALS. This race is not only for my grandmother, but also all those who have been or will be affected by ALS in the past, present, or future.
So I need your help. I've set my personal goal at $2000. Every donation will be appreciated. Even small donations of $10 will add up in the end. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. Since I am currently studying in China I would prefer you donate through the first method. If you are unable to do so you can also send a check made out to Iron Phi to my parents home at 835 E. 140th N. Peck, KS 67120.
I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts. For more information on the race visit http://www.great-wall-marathon.com/Default.aspx.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Nathan Steele
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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.”
