HomeTyler Ratajczak
Wisconsin Beta - Lawrence 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.
This year (along with several teammates, one of which is my wife) I will be participating in the Wisconsin Tough Mudder on September 9 in Cascade, WI. Tough Mudder is the premier obstacle course series in the world. An excerpt from the official website reads "Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. As the leading company in the booming obstacle course industry, Tough Mudder has already challenged half a million inspiring participants worldwide...". I can't think of a better way for me to become an Iron Phi!
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 $1000.00. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $25-$50? 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 1015 S Spring St Beaver Dam, WI 53916 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,
Tyler Ratajczak
UPDATE:
Tough Mudder has been completed! Now I just need to raise the remainder of my goal to become an Iron Phi.
The event itself was an unbelievable experience. It was very tough as the name implies but certainly an event that I will do again. Now I know what I would do differently in my training for it though. Please consider any donation to help this great cause. Thank you!
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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.”
