HomeJoshua Nelson
Idaho Alpha - University of Idaho
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.
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.
What I will be doing as my Iron Phi race is Jog all the way to the Space Needle in Seattle from my home in Edmonds, Washington. This will be the longest treck of my life as the length from my house to the Space Needle is a little over 13 miles.
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.
My grandfather passed from ALS at the age of 51 and lived four amazing years with the disease. I never met him as my mom was still in college when he passed, but from what I hear from her and my grandma he was an amazing man. He never did anything for himself, he always looked out for his family first and himself second.
When I joined Phi Delta Theta back in February of this year, I had no idea what they supported, heck I didn't even though each fraternity and sorority had philanthropies that they each support. I truly believe that I was supposed to be apart of this fraternity, I realized that when I found out that they support the fight against ALS. I wouldn't be surpised if my grandpa up in heaven had something to do with that.
Im running not just to raise money or gain a title, I am running for my grandfather.
I've set my personal goal at $1051 as my grandfather passed from ALS at the age of 51. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation (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 720 Alder St Edmonds, Wa 98020 if you'd rather donate that way.
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,
Joshua Nelson
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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.”
