HomeAshlynn Cole
South Carolina Beta - University of South Carolina
My Iron Phi Story
Ashlynn's Iron Phi Page
In 2019, a tragedy struck my family; my Uncle Donald passed away due to ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Don was one of my favorite family members and knew how to light up every single space he entered. He is the reason why I like knowing random information about things that most people do not even bother to know. He was kind, selfless, absolutely hilarious, and above all, he knew how to live boldly. There are many things in my life that could be considered coincidence, but I like to call them "The Don Wink." One of these winks is the fact that my a majority of my best friends, including my boyfriend, are all members of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, whose philanthropy is ALS. Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta, and the organization has taken an active role in finding a cure. Something that I have heard from Don while growing up was, "We will get what we want when we need it," and I believe that applies to the connection and bonds I have formed with members of the Phi Delt chapter here at USC.
This is why this year, I'll be attempting to become an Iron Phi, which is a distinction given to a small percentage of members within the fraternity. The chapter here at USC currently does not have a female Iron Phi, and I would like to celebrate my uncle and live boldy to become the first. I have decided to run the "Get To The Green" 10k on March 18th, 2023 as my race to raise money in honor of my Uncle Donald. The net proceeds will support ALS research, education, screening and treatment. It will also help strengthen an organization (Phi Delta Theta) that has had a lasting impact on my life.
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 to be at least $1000 and I would appreciate all the help I can get in reaching this goal. Would you please consider making a donation of any amount that you can give (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble)? You can make a donation through the link in my bio, where on this page you click on the "Make a Gift" link below the thermometer. I also take venmo donations as well which I will transfer into my donations on my page. My venmo is "ashlynn-cole5".
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,
Ashlynn Cole
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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.”
