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, aka The Iron Man, 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. I was a charter member of the Cal Zeta chapter of PDT at San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN).  My bond # is 38 and I served as president of the chapter in 1968/69.  I currently serve on the House Corporation for the chapter.  Phi Delta Theta has been a huge part of my life and I'm proud to be a Phi.

I am going to bike ride 73 miles on Sunday April 17 in honor of my mom, Arlyne Sherwin. She died way too young at age 73 of ALS and never got to witness the weddings of her daughter (my sister, Candy) and her grandchildren Rob and Tara. She missed out on meeting and loving her grandson Colin and great grandchildren Reed and Drew.  I am 73 years old (the same age as when she died) so it is only fitting I ride 73 miles from Westlake Village to her gravesite at Mt. Sinai in Griffith Park and then return home.

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 $15,000.00 and I'm almost there.   I need your help to complete the mission. Would you please consider making a donation of any amount that you're comfortable with.  The donation page has various amounts to check off and if you do "other", then how about $73.00 to match the ages and disatnce, or even multiples of $7.30 to suit your fancy. (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble). 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 31631 Foxfield Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91361 if you'd rather donate that way.  Remember the check is payable to Iron Phi but addressed to me.

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,
Bob