HomeJohn Mark
Illinois Eta - University of Illinois
My Iron Phi Story
Johnny Mark- Iron Phiathlete
I became the 35th highest fundraising Iron Phi of all time. #405.
To become an Iron Phi I raised $2,160, but I know that I can raise even more with a lot of love and support. Please consider making a donation or even just sending me a nice e-mail, text, or letter of encouragement urging me to never give up. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble). You can also send a check made out to Iron Phi to me at [411 East Healey St, Champaign, IL 61820] if you'd rather donate that way.
I am so proud at the difference I've made with the love and support I have in my life!
Thank you all for your generosity! Follow me at @ironphiathlon
Sincerely,
John Coogan Mark
My Personal Web Log
Topics
Can't stop; won't stop
$1,000 just wasn't enough for you people. I got two more donations from family friends and I could not have been happier to see their names. Your parents raise you, but so do a lot of other people's parents. It is times up trouble and triumph that you think of the things you have learned from all of these people. They have shaped who you are. They are the reason you are here, and now I know that I am making them proud of what they taught me.
by John Mark on Sun, Mar 15, 2015 @ 11:03 PM
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100%
We did it! Congrats to everyone who was a part of this effort. This is just as much your feat as mine. You are the reason I was motivated enough to do this and now, it's coming true. I will race my heart out for what has been done here today. Thank God for everything he has given me.
by John Mark on Wed, Mar 11, 2015 @ 4:50 PM
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Denoument
As I come closer and closer to my race, I am starting to get nervous. I feel in shape, but also tired. Scared, but more excited. But the one consistent thought that is going through my head is that I'm proud. I'm proud of what I was somehow able to completely change my health and workout regime. I had so many close people in my life willing to help me make a change. Also, I will never forget the story that was shared with me. A friend of mine told me about a family member they had who was struck with this condition. ALS is a terrible thing. Whether my $1,000 is enough to make a big difference or not, I do not know. But the effort of trying to see this disease gone is enough for me, and apparently my loved ones as well. So maybe I really am making a difference, and maybe I've always really been able to. It's incredible the things you see when you take the time to try and make a difference in the world.
by John Mark on Mon, Mar 09, 2015 @ 3:23 PM
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Training in the cold is so awful!
These are the days that make it hard to continue. These are the times that make me want to quit. I could just forget it all. But that's the same reason that I started this in the first place. I want the chance to make a difference because I know I can. I have the skill, ability, knowledge -whatever you want to call it- to see this through to the end. Personal messages from friends and family, reminding me how important this is, are what make this worth it. I have gotten stories from people about those who they know personally affected by ALS, and it makes it even more special. Please continue with the great support, in message over money.
by John Mark on Thu, Feb 26, 2015 @ 4:14 PM
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Start of Training
The 18-week training program that I have set up for myself. Time to remember my veggies, wake up early, and maybe stop with the oreos. I am ready for this and have been looking forward to starting it. I know there will be a couple of times where the college life just has me too busy, but those aren't the moments in looking toward. I'm excited for being sore during the day because of the pool and ready to crash early to bed. I'm looking forward to smelling like chlorine and hopping on a bike again. The snow can't stop me. March 22 here I come!
Johnny
(11/16/14)
by John Mark on Sun, Nov 16, 2014 @ 7:34 PM
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I am so proud of everyone involved in our Phiathalon efforts
https://www.phideltatheta.org/2014/10/illinois-eta-illinois-raises-money-als-association-phi-athlon/
by John Mark on Mon, Oct 13, 2014 @ 4:30 PM
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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.”
