HomeSarah Anne Nielsen
North Carolina Delta - North Carolina State University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to Sarah Anne Nielsen's Iron Phi Page!
This year, I'll be attempting to become an Iron Phi - a distinction given to a small percentage of members within Phi Delta Theta 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, an organization that 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 others far and wide.
I am not a member of Phi Delta Theta, but a friend to many of the brothers. As someone who cares deeply about philanthropic work and is always determined to see things through, I wanted to challenge myself to become an Iron Phi. I love to explore different ways to give back to my community and make an impact on the world around me.
Although I am not a runner, I have challenged myself to complete 24 miles within 24 hours. I wanted to choose something outside of my comfort zone, to push me farther than I thought possible, and maybe inspire others to find out that they're stronger than they think.
I'm lucky to have my friend Alison Lamontagne running alongside me. She suggested my challenge and offered to join me, since she enjoys running 5Ks and half-marathons. Because of our partnership (and my lack of training), I will complete this challenge by the end of August so we can run (and celebrate) together!
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 to support not only my challenge, but to cheer on all people facing the challenge of ALS every day. You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. Donations made by US residents are also tax-deductible.
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,
Sarah Anne Nielsen
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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.”
