We Do It For Lou

“Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” – Lou Gehrig

Known as the Iron Horse of baseball, Phi Delta Theta Brother, Lou Gehrig, spoke these words over 75 years ago when he was forced to retire due to his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, as it is commonly referred to, is “is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord… The motor nerves that are affected when you have ALS are the motor neurons that provide voluntary movements and muscle control,” (ALS Association, What is ALS?, http://www.alsa.org/about-als/what-is-als.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/). Those affected with ALS lose all motor function, while their mind is functioning at its normal capacity, leaving them trapped inside their own body. 100% of cases end in death. While many scientific breakthroughs have allowed doctors to begin understanding where ALS comes from, and in some cases even slow the spread of the disease, a cure has still not been found. I am lucky enough to be a part of an organization, a family, which is doing our absolute best to help combat ALS, and help those affected by this dreaded disease.

This family of Brothers that I have within Phi Delta Theta has inspired me. I have watched as my Brothers have rallied around this cause, biking and running and finding other physical challenges to raise the funds and awareness that are necessary in our ongoing battle against ALS. I have always wanted to help, but as of late I have let other things get in the way; time, excuses, lack of motivation, and quite frankly the shape I have fallen into, post-collegiate athletics.

This past summer, my second mother, Allison Streeby, lost her brother, Dave Faltings, to ALS. To see the devastation that this disease causes all who are involved is unbearable, and not something anyone should have to go through. No more am I going to stand on the sidelines and cheer, it is my time to contribute, and I am ready to give it my all. I will be undertaking this journey in memory of Dave, the Faltings, the Streeby’s, and all of the other families affected by ALS.

With the inspiration of Dave and of my Brothers driving me, I have decided to attempt to become an Iron Phi before the end of the summer (a tall order with the last day of summer being September 21st). What is an Iron Phi you ask? Iron Phi is 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. I am ready to step up and assist our organization in its active role in finding a cure. However, in this endeavor, I am also asking for and needing your assistance as well.

In order to become an Iron Phi, one must raise at least $1,000 and complete an athletic challenge of their choosing. I have already made my athletic commitment; having signed up for the Tough Mudder Half Michigan, taking place on Sunday, September 18th, just days before the close of summer. My goal is to raise $1,000 before this first event… However, I do not want to stop there. My total goal for this endeavor is $5,000, culminating in a full Tough Mudder this next spring, location and time TBD. This will allow me enough time to train, prepare, and fundraise. I believe that through hard work and determination, coupled with the support of my friends, family and Brothers, that this is attainable.

I have just days before our first milestone, being the Tough Mudder Half, and I am committing all I have athletically to be prepared. I am asking for your financial commitments in order to complete this challenge, and raise money and awareness in the battle against ALS. Please consider making a donation. Any amount helps, and I am hoping for backing from all of you (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 2 South Campus Ave., Oxford, Ohio 45056 if you'd rather donate that way. If you are running on a tight budget, you can help by holding me accountable to the goals that I have set.

Lou Gehrig was nicknamed the Iron Horse of baseball. He earned this name by playing in 2,130 consecutive games, and this is clearly where the inspiration of the Iron Phi program was found. I plan to get a little Iron back into my will power over this next month, and following through with it into this next year.

To steal Brother Lou’s words, I have to consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. He said those words in the face of certain death, in the moment when he was forced to step away from that which he loved most. With all of the friends, family, experiences, opportunities, love and support that I have been afforded, how could I not consider myself the luckiest? I would be remiss not to lend myself to such a great cause, and I hope that each of you will share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you for your time, support, and generosity.

Best,

Tucker