We Do It For Lou

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.

As an accomplished Eagle Scout, I learned to dedicate myself to service and greater causes early-on. I have carried this demeanor with me for almost a decade now -- and plan to elevate my service and impact through my participation in the Iron Phi Challenge. 

As a freshmen in college, I got in contact with rowing coaches over the summer with interests in walking-on to the team (with no former experience). However, due to COVID-19, athletics were put on pause and my tryouts were delayed to this semester, my Sophomore Fall. Over the course of this Fall (2021), I have pushed myself to perform well in tryouts and become rostered on the Lehigh Rowing team (Mens Club Varsity//Competing in the MARC), and I dedicate much of my time to training. With my participation in the Iron Phi Challenge, I plan to better myself as much as I can better research in the fight against ALS -- with your charitable donations.

Every $1 donated will represent an obligation to me -- and an obligation to you. I plan to row (on the stationary erg) 200m for every dollar donated; any individual donation amounting over $10 and below $50 will be continuous -- 2k-10k meter row, respectively. Pictures of the erg monitor will be posted for all pieces; broken/non-continuous meters will be recorded and summed in a table as well. 

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. 

To begin, I had set my personal goal at $1000. Incredibly, this was hit in a single day. So, in continuation of my support in the fight against ALS, I have raised my personal goal to $2500. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of any amount you're comfortable with and supporting me in my fundraiser against ALS? You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below, or by Venmo at @Joe-Bereswill (CAPTION: Iron Phi). You can also send a check made out to "Iron Phi" to me at:

(4 Farrington Square, Box 5676, Bethlehem PA 18015)              if you'd rather donate that way.

The link to view my progress and various media associated with my Iron Phi Challenge, including pictures of the erg monitor, are in the below shared folder: 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aoJotvDH_jxQbVar4Nmf8-ivgPMgqOkj?usp=sharing

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,
Joseph A. Bereswill

Lehigh Rowing '24