HomeDom Gravino
Colorado Gamma - Colorado State University
My Iron Phi Story
Welcome to My Personal Iron Phi Page
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 has had a lasting impact on my life.
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.
About a month ago I was not even considering to attempt to become an Iron Phi, but after hearing more about it and what it means to members of Phi Delta Theta and more importantly the Live Like Lou Foundation, I decided to accept the challenge. I was struggling to decide what athletic event to chose for this, but when a few of my friends said they were going to run a half marathon I was in right away, and wanted to push myself to do something that I haven't completed in a long time. I also got inspiration from my mom who has been passionate about running for a large portion of her life and has ran a marathon as well as countless half marathons. She has been a great role model and this is just one of the ways she has influenced me. Each of you has had a significant impact on my life in one way or another and I hope that I have done the same in yours. I truly appreciate all the support that I have gotten already and will continue to get.
I've set my personal goal at $1,000. So I need your help. Any donation you are willing to give is greatly appreciated. (donations by US residents are tax-deducitble)? 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 1129 Skyline Drive 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,
Dom Gravino
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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.”
