HomeCharlie Ross
West Virginia Alpha - West Virginia University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to Iron Phi!
Hello! Thank you for visiting my page and potentially contributing to my Iron Phi Fundraising. My name is Charlie Ross, an Accounting and Finance student at West Virginia University. I joined Phi Delta Theta in the fall of 2025 in an effort to revive the West Virginia Alpha chapter here at WVU. Phi Delta Theta, or "Phi Delt," has been an integral part of my recent semesters and is teaching me a lot about giving back to the community. To do so, I have set out to earn the title of Iron Phi.
Iron Phi is a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of Phi Delta Theta members. The Iron Phi program strengthens both our Fraternity and its impact in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) through athletic challenges and fundraising.
Lou Gehrig — one of the most legendary members of Phi Delta Theta — inspired this cause. Through Iron Phi, we continue his legacy by raising funds for the Live Like Lou Foundation and Phi Delta Theta. Together, these organizations support ALS research and care for families living with the disease, while also investing in leadership and educational opportunities for Phi Delts.
On April 11, 2026, I will be participating in my Iron Phi event, which is the "Run the Ranch 5K" in Morgantown, WV. My goal is to train for the event and place in the top 10% of participants. I am devoting my race to all of those who are suffering from ALS and are not able to participate in this kind of athletic event.
Every 90 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with ALS — a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. There’s currently no cure, which is why I’m pushing myself physically and mentally to make a difference.
I’ve set a personal fundraising goal of $5,000, and I would love your support in reaching it. You can make a tax-deductible donation directly on this page by clicking “Make a Donation” below the thermometer.
Your generosity will not only help families affected by ALS — it will also help me achieve a lifelong goal and carry forward the values of friendship, sound learning, and rectitude that Phi Delta Theta stands for.
Thank you for supporting me, this cause, and the spirit of Lou Gehrig.
Sincerely,
Charlie Ross
My Personal Web Log
Topics
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.”
