HomeBrent Wagner
Wisconsin Alpha - University of Wisconsin
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to My Personal Iron Phi Page
This year, I'll be attempting to become an Iron Phi - 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. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and our organization has taken an active role in finding a cure.
The net proceeds will support ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) research, education, screening and treatment. It will also help strengthen an organization Phi Delta Theta that has had a lasting impact on my life.
My story: My completing of this challenge comes on the heels of a very real encounter with the disease that we are all trying so hard to find a cure for. About a year ago, I noticed that I was having a hard time walking. This problem slowly grew worse, and in January of this year, I sought out the help of a neurologist. After the examination, he gave me the news that no one wants to hear: That I likely had a disease of the central nervous system, and that further tests would determine what that might be, with ALS being his primary concern. Fortunately, the tests came back with a blessing in disguise: A benign tumor of the spinal cord called a meningioma. A short week later, the tumor was removed, and just a week after that, I was back to walking normally. I am so thankful for my outcome, but this experience has awakened me to the horror that those who suffer from this disease must face. To honor brother Gehrig, my challenge will be to hit 493 golf balls in a day, which is the number of home runs that Lou hit in his career. Since my surgery was only two weeks ago, my goal is to complete the athletic portion of this challenge near the end of March, when I'm back up to full strength. Thank you so much for your support!
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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 $1,000. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation? You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer.
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,
Brent Wagner
WI Alpha - 1774
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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.”
