HomeKyle Bondo
Washington Epsilon - Eastern Washington University
My Iron Phi Story
Kyle Bondo's Quest to be an Iron Phi
For the second year in a row I will 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.
During the weekend of April 18-20, I will be competing as an undergraduate student from Eastern Washington University - the Washington Epsilon chapter of Phi Delta Theta. We will be running a nearly 170-mile relay race from Cheney, Wash., to the Iron-Horse Monument above the Columbia River at Vantage, Wash. We have challenged the other chapters in the state to do the same, and will be competing against them for both funds raised, as well as how fast we compete the challenge. The Iron Horse Challenge is a statewide event, with Phi Delta Theta chapters from Eastern Washington University, Whitman University, University of Washington and Puget Sound University all running from their respective campuses to the iron horse monument.
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.
Last year I raised $439 and completed the relay challenge. It probably was the most fun I had rasing money for other people. This year again, I have set my personal goal at $1,000. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of, $10, $25, $50 or more (donations by US residents are tax-deductible)? 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 made out to Iron Phi to me at 320 College Ave Cheney, WA 99004 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,
Kyle Bondo
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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.”
