We Do It For Lou

Why do I want to become an Iron Phi?

The question anyone should ask before they even think of taking on the challenge of becoming an Iron Phi. To clarify what an Iron Phi is for anyone who is not familiar: an Iron Phi is a special distinction given to a small percentage of members in my fraternity. To become an Iron Phi, one must raise $1000 to benefit Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease (Also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis "ALS"). They must also participate in an athletic event after raising the money.

My answer to the question above is similar to my answer for joining Phi Delta Theta, I want to become the greatest version of myself, to serve others and make a difference greater than myself. I feel that this test will help me become not only a better me, but help me make my chapter better and Phi Delta Theta as a whole; most importantly it will help those affected by ALS.

When the president of my chapter first made the call to action for some of us to rise up and take on this challenge, I didn't really think I could do it, I didn't think I could raise $1000. I've changed my mind, I've decided I will do it.

After becoming a member of my fraternity, I joined the Dullea committee. The Dullea Classic is an annual Golf Tournament and Silent Auction put on by the KS Delta chapter to raise money for the ALS Association. I applied to be on the committee because a co-worker had told me the story of a woman in her sorority whose mother had ALS and how it affected their family. How she watched her mother's condition decay and the emotional strain that was caused by the disease. This story impassioned me to raise awareness and help those affected by this disease.

Through the Dullea Committee I was able to take part in the ALS Walk in our community as well as help raise a significant amount of money for our local ALS Association Chapter. The significance this cause has to my fraternity as well as the cause's need for awareness, will keep me going till I complete my goal and beyond it.

 Becoming an Iron Phi to me is no longer about what I can do or what title I get. It's about my fraternity, my brothers; it's about making a difference for those affected by ALS, it's about becoming the best version of myself, the version that will stand with his brothers and make a difference for those in need. Being an Iron Phi is about seeing beyond self, seeing that people need help, and answering the call.

One Man is No Man

Please join me on this journey by supporting this endeavor in any way you can. Any amount helps, I don't care if it's a extremely small amount, you still have my appreciation! If you can't donate please share this page on your social media pages, I need 74 people to donate $10. Thank you for taking the time to read all this (I hope I didn't ramble!) Much Love and God Bless!

-Brittan Smith

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