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.

I am even more passionate about this cause because last year a close family friend of ours, Matt Engleka (known to me as Uncle Matt) was diagnosed with ALS and I am witnessing firsthand how horrible this disease is. Uncle Matt has been one of my biggest supporters for my entire life and to show my support in return I want to do everything I can to raise money for a cure in hopes that a scientific breakthrough will happen in his lifetime.

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.

For my Iron Phi event, I have chosen to participate in the Thomas Hayes Mayo 5K along with some of my fellow Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers. This annual race benefits the Thomas Mayo Lab at the William Magee Institute at Ole Miss.The lab seeks to change the conversation around student mental health and substance misuse, transforming and saving lives in the process.

I've set my personal goal at $2,000 and ask that you please consider making a donation 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 1004 Molly Barr Rd, Oxford, MS 38655 if you'd rather donate that way. (Donations by US residents are tax deductible.)

Net proceeds will support ALS through the Live Like Lou Foundation and its mission to 'leave ALS better than we found it' by supporting families affected by ALS, funding ALS research to find treatments or cures for Lou Gehrig’s disease, and honoring Lou Gehrig’s legacy.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Sincerely,
Cameron Race