We Do It For Lou

 Update: On February 4th, 2022 I have started my competition for the Lous Olympics. I will be trying to raise a minimum of $444.44 and I am already about half way there. I will be competing to win a gold medal for the fastest 444 reps of a barbell. Thank you everyone for the continued support. Much love. 

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UPDATE: On January 14th, my final day of my athletic we reached the previous goal of $3,000 and are now at $3,000.98. I have completed my athletic event and I feel great. This experience has showed me alot. It has shown me the amount of support that I have from all of the people in my life and more importantly it has given me a greater appreciation for the little things in life such as my physical and mental health as i mentioned before in my previous post. I cant believe we reached an amount triple of the original goal. Once again, thank you to everyone. Much love.

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UPDATE: On January 8th we have reached the previous goal of $2,750. I am halfway done with my athletic event and after today the 8th day i will have lifted 293,530 pounds. I cannot thank enough those who have donated and supported, especially my family! I have set a new goal of $3,000. Much love.

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UPDATE: On the third day, January 3rd, we have reached the goal of $2,500, i'm amazed at the continued support. I have once again extended the goal this time to $2,750. I will keep extending the goal if it keeps being met until i finish my athletic event on January 14th.

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Update: On the second day, January 2nd we have already reached the second goal of $2,000. I have once again changed the goal and increased it to $2,500. THANK YOU!!

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UPDATE: We broke the first goal of $1,000 within the first day of the fundraiser being opened on Janurary 1st, 2021. We ended the first day off at over $1,700! i have changed the goal to $2,000. I am truly thankful for all of the support i have recieved from family, friends and my community! THANK YOU!

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Hey all, I’ve decided to start the new year off by pursuing one of my goals in becoming an Iron Phi; a distinction given to a very small percentage of members within Phi Delta Theta. Through the fundraising events and athletic events of its members, Iron Phi serves to strengthen the impact that Phi Delta Theta has in its fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
All of the proceeds of this fundraising event will go directly to supporting ALS, whether that be research, treatment, screening or education. This will also help strengthen the organization that I pride myself in being a member of.

As most know, I have been fighting my own battle against against a chronic disease that being type 1 diabetes for almost 12 years. However, I try to count my blessings for everything else that I have in life; including my physical and mental strength.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to break down which leads to reduced muscle functionality and ultimately leads to severe loss of muscle and physical function and sadly is very fatal.

Thankfully given the circumstances of my life, I am able to use my body and I’m able to function properly and healthy; something that people living with ALS no longer get to enjoy, and I will forever be thankful for this.

This is why my Iron Phi event consists of a 14 day challenge where I will be lifting a minimum of 500,000 pounds over the course of the 14 days; consisting of 12 days of lifting and 2 days of rest. I will be putting my strength and my body up to the test for all of those who are suffering with ALS who cannot do the same.
My goal is to raise the minimum of $1,000 but I am confident and hopeful to surpass this goal. Every donation and share counts.

I plan to walk away from this a better man; having a more appreciative outlook on all of the simple things that I get to enjoy in my life because nothing is promised forever.

Thank You For Your Generosity.

With love,
Gavin “Titan” Gertsen #181, NYK