HomeGeorge Ferguson
Indiana Zeta - DePauw University
My Iron Phi Story
Iron Phi - Pushup Challenge Fundraiser
Becoming an Iron Phi has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time in Phi Delta Theta because it connects two important parts of my life: my fraternity and a cause that is deeply personal to me. Last year, I completed my first Iron Phi challenge and was fortunate enough to raise over $4,000 for ALS research and support. This year, I am taking on a new challenge with the goal of building on that success and pushing toward a $10,000 fundraising goal.
My motivation for fundraising for ALS is rooted in the life of a family friend, Michael “Boomer” Wallace. Boomer was diagnosed with ALS in June of 2016 and passed away in December of 2018. At the time of his diagnosis, I did not fully understand what ALS meant, but over the years I came to witness the strength, courage, and positivity he carried through every stage of the disease. Remembering Boomer and the person he was continues to inspire me to do what I can to support those currently battling ALS and the families who walk alongside them.
For this year’s Iron Phi challenge, I am committing to a minimum of 200 pushups per day over the course of my spring break, using my body in a small way to honor those who are gradually losing theirs to ALS. BUT WAIT! There's more...
To make this challenge donor-driven and interactive:
Every dollar donated before March 20 at 11:59 pm will add one pushup to my total, which I will complete during spring break. The final pushup number will be locked before the challenge begins, and I will be sharing updates and progress throughout the week.
Every donation, no matter the size, directly contributes to ALS research and family support through the Live Like Lou Foundation. Thank you for supporting this cause, honoring Boomer’s legacy, and helping me continue this journey.
George Ferguson
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.”
