We Do It For Lou

Hey Everyone!

As many of you know, last year I took on the very difficult but extremely rewarding challenge of becoming an Iron Phi - a distinction given to a small percentage of members within Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Training all summer and raising over $1000, I was able to help the Iron Phi program reach their 2010 goal of raising over $100,000 for the ALS Association. I again want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, those who donated and helped me reach my goals.

If you weren't familiar with my journey last year, here's the scoop: 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.

According to The ALS Association's web site, 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 became an Iron Phi and that's why I'm dedicated to keep fighting... To encourage those affected by the disease to never stop fighting either.

This year, the Iron Phi Program has doubled its goal and doubled its efforts. IT'S TIME WE DO THE SAME!!

Last year I raised $1000. This year...DOUBLE IT! $2000. Last year my race consisted of a 0.5 mile swim, 12.5 mile bike, and a 5k run. This year...DOUBLE IT! Olympic distance triathlon with a 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 10k run. Last year I only did one race. This year...DOUBLE IT! AND THEN DOUBLE IT AGAIN!!!! That's right, I'm hoping to compete in 4 triathlons before the New Year.

But unlike last year, we're no longer just trying to survive the race. We're racing to WIN! Because if we can win this race against ALS, it'll give others the chance to survive their race.

So now I need your help. I'll do the training and I'll do the racing, but ultimately I'm just a college student on a college budget. Would you please consider making a donation? Any donation would be incredible and greatly appreciated! Even the smallest donation brings us one step closer to our goal and one step closer to a cure.  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 to me (made out to "Iron Phi") at 1437 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan if you'd rather donate that way.

I hope that you'll join the team and share this incredible adventure with me by helping in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and, regardless of whether you are able to donate or not, thank you so very much for your support!

 
Sincerely,

Karl W. Cran
University of Michigan
Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity