We Do It For Lou

This year, I'll be continuing my adventure as an Iron Phi; I am coming out of retirement! I will be participating in the Lou Olympics in the areas of rowing and weight loss. Yes I am going for the Gold!!!! From February 1 – April 30, 2024, the Iron Phi program is attempting to achieve its biggest feat to date - mobilize 4,444 participants to raise $444,444. Lou’s Olympics is a challenge for both undergraduate and alumni Phi Delts, current and aspiring Iron Phis, and is setup to reward individuals, chapters, and Phi Delt province winners. I plan to row 340 miles during Lou's Olympics, which calculates to an average 6000 meters per day. 

I appreciate all those who have helped me since 2013 through several events for the Iron Phi program. The first was the Pittsburgh Iron Horse challenge, which I was on a 4 person team with brothers from IUP that ran through Pittsburgh and raised over $20,000. The second was for the as a member of team "Thunder Buddies"- a group of alumni volunteers that were completing against teams across the country to raise money to fight ALS and continued to engage in athletic activities during the 4 Horsemen Challenge in 2020. And now my fourth event is the Lou's Olympics! This is my second Lou's Olympics.

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 through our support of the LiveLikeLou Foundation, which was founded by Brother Neil Alexander and his wife, Suzanne.

I had the priveledge of meeting Brother Alexander on several occasions. First, at his initiation during one of our national conventions. The next, and the one that leaves the largest impact was my original journey to become an Iron Phi at the Iron Horse Challenge in Pittsburgh. It was this second meeting, as he gave me a ride back to the starting point for race that we talked about his battle with ALS, the love he had for his wife and children, and his hopes for the future that he well knew he would never see.

The net proceeds will support ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research, education, screening, and treatment. Donations also support the families of those battling ALS through support for in-home services, and for summer camps for children with parents battling ALS. Also, some funds are used for scholarships to support children of these families pursue educational opportunities. It will also help strengthen Phi Delta Theta's Foundation that has had a lasting impact on my life in their support of educational opportunities. 

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 $5,500, which is $3000+ more than when I first started my path to becoming an Iron Phi. So I need your help! Would you please consider making a donation of $10-100 (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble). You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the donation tracker. You can also send a check made out to Iron Phi and mailed to me if you'd rather donate that way. Any questions can be directed to me at Pleissme@gmail.com

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,
Mark Pleiss

Iron Phi #212

PA Gamma #1255

True Blue #1545