HomeCullen Cochlan
Pennsylvania Iota - University of Pittsburgh
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.
As many of you know, my father was diagnosed with ALS several year ago and, seeing first-hand the horrific nature of this disease, I have decided to pursue the distinction of Iron Phi and raise money in hopes of one day finding a cure so others need not suffer from this diagnosis.
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.
As my athletic event, I will be running a half marathon on May 7, 2023 to honor my father, the LiveLikeLou Foundation, and others affected by ALS. I have been training for about 4 months now, and cannot wait for the race!
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. And so that's why I want to become an Iron Phi; to further the development of a cure in the only way we know how.
I've set my personal goal (updated) at $10,000. And I need your help! Would you please consider making a donation of ANY amount to help this cause and allow me to become an Iron Phi which is, in my opinion, the highest honor an ALS activist can attain (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble)? Please don't feel obligated to donate beyond a comfortable amount. ANYTHING helps, and each donation will mean so much to me. 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 journey with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
Much love,
Cullen
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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.”
