We Do It For Lou

This year, I'll be participating in the Iron Phi program through a relay across Nebraska with my brothers of the NE Gamma chapter of Phi Delta Theta. The mission of Iron Phi is to strengthen our international fraternity and the impact it has on the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease through the fundraising and athletic efforts of our members. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and our organization has taken an active role in finding a cure for the disease that took his life and the lives of many others, ALS. 

The net proceeds from the Iron Phi movement will support ALS research, education, screening and treatment. It will also help strengthen Phi Delta Theta, an organization that has been important to both the fight against ALS and to my personal growth. 

This October, members of the three chapters of Phi Detla Theta in the state of Nebraska will team up to complete a relay from the Cabela's in Kearney, NE, to the Cabela's in Omaha, NE.  In total, the distance covered by participating members will be about 170 miles.  On October 4th, the three chapters will compete with one another to run about forty miles each--broken into individual 5ks.  That evening, all runners will meet in Lincoln.  The following morning, the relay will conclude with members of all three chapters completing the remaining runs to Omaha together.  Cabela's will be sponsoring this run, a joint effort by Nebraska phi delts to raise funds and awareness to combat ALS. 

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.

ALS has affected my family and me directly, recently taking from us one of the sweetest women I have ever ecountered, my Aunt Mary C.  Every year, members of our family come together in a walk to support her memory and raise funds to combat the disease.  As I'm studying at Creighton University during the time of the walk, I am unable to participate.  Because of this, I plan to take advantage of Phi Delta Theta's work to fight ALS and make this run my personal tribute to Aunt Mary C, as well as my personal fundraising project for a cause that means so much to me and my family. 

So I need your help. Would you please consider making a (tax deductible) donation of whatever amount you can? You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. If you would prefer to send a check, please contact me at hpe94590@creighton.edu and I can give you instructions. 

I hope that you'll unite your prayers and donations with me as I raise money and run in the hopes of one day curing ALS.  I will be praying for all who read this, all who donate, and all affected by ALS. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Hank Elbert