We Do It For Lou

Why am I participating in the Iron Phi Challenge?

There are many reasons why I have decided to take part in this quest. The largest however, is my connection to ALS. My great-grandfather, Richard W. Dea, was a veteran, a passionate man, and a huge baseball fan, died of ALS in 2004. One of Dick’s heroes and favorite ball players was in fact, Lou Gehrig. He is a man that I wished I had more time with, and I am proud to say that I will be raising money for ALS research in memory of Dick Dea.

I will also be giving back to an organization that has given multitudes to me. Through Phi Delta Theta, I have found a home at Iowa State. Living in my fraternity has provided me with a safe environment full of mentors, and family. Phi Delta Theta has pushed me to volunteer in Dance Marathon, and Student Government, and has allowed me to become recruitment chair, and Greek Community Ambassador. The positions and experiences within my fraternities and the opportunities it has let me helped enable me to secure an internship with the National Park Service in Colorado this summer.

While working at Rocky Mountain National Park, I plan on continuing my fund raising and completing my “athletic event” portion of the Iron Phi Challenge. My plan is to hike the tallest mountain in the National Park, Longs Peak. The hike is over 15 miles long, reaching 14,259 feet in elevation and is regarded as one of the most difficult 14’ers in Colorado, as nearly half of all hike attempts end without hikers reaching the summit. The Iron Phi challenge is the perfect service program to give back to an organization that has given so much to me, raise money for an extremely important cause, and connect with my family and friends through philanthropy. I can honestly say that service has been a pillar in my college education and I am very excited to push myself even further with this goal.

I would be honored, and extremely grateful if you would be willing to donate any amount towards my $1,000 goal in memory of my great-grandpa Richard W. Dea. There is no official time limit to raise ones goal, however if the $1,000 was reached by the time I hike Longs Peak this summer, I think it would be very special! Raising this money will provide opportunities for not only young leaders in Phi Delta Theta, but also and more importantly improve the lives of those diagnosed with ALS. Below are the directions on how to donate. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter, as well as possibly donating and spreading the word about my Iron Phi service project.

Thank you!

-Nathan