HomeSteven Lorenz
Indiana Theta - Purdue University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to Steven Lorenz's Iron Phi Page
Friends and Family,
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 is having a tremendous impact on my life.
For my Iron Phi, I have chosen to compete in the MC Strong 5k Run (http://mcstrong.org) in Bloomington, IL. Michael Collins or MC, was a friend of mine during my time in junior high and high school. Although he was a few years older than me, I still enjoyed being around him. Two years ago I showed up to play a normal Saturday baseball game for my high school, yet that day was far from normal. When I arrived to the field I was faced with the news that MC was in intensive care after a horrific car accident. A few days later MC passed away, but his spirit never died. Michael was an organ donor and from that one selfless act of signing up to donate MC was able to save over 200 lives. Michael embodies the way of Lou and what he stood for during his playing career. Integrity and high character were hallmarks of Lou Gehrig, and so too were they the way of life for Michael Collins!
I cannot wait for this incredible opportunity to honor a friend who continues to have an impact in my life while raising money for Lou Gehrig's Disease! This event will be even more special since I will be completing it with my dad. My dad, Joe Lorenz, is also a Phi Delt and will be participating in an Iron Phi with me!
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'm becoming an Iron Phi. To do something bold about Lou Gehrig's disease.
I've set my personal goal at $1000. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $25? (Donations by US residents are tax-deductible.) 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 503 W. State Street W. Lafayette, IN 47906 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,
Steven J. Lorenz
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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.”
