Kevin Canterbury on Iron-Phi’s Fight Against ALS

 

This year’s Iron Phi fundraiser is coming to an end, and Kevin Canterbury is proud to be among the ranks of this distinguished group. In the fall of last year, Kevin Canterbury became an Iron Phi by accumulating $1000 in donations and summiting Mount Humphreys while working in the fight against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). This year, the fraternity has welcomed over 100 Phi Delta Theta members into the Iron Phi community- and the group is making strides to maximize their donations and impact! Here, Kevin Canterbury discusses Iron Phi’s fight against ALS and the contributions the organization is making to support those effected by the disease.

Why ALS?

Iron Phi was developed Phi Delta Theta to strengthen the fraternity’s community while striving to help ALS organizations improve outlook for individuals suffering from the condition. The proceeds collected by the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity are used to support ALS research, education, screening, and treatment while helping the fraternity expand its impact. In addition to raising the $1000 for admittance into the prestigious group, Iron Phi members must also participate in an athletic endeavor of their choosing to solidify their status as a member. Iron Phi’s commitment to fighting against ALS stems from the fact that Lou Gehrig- famous first baseman- was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Through efforts to spread visibility and provide funding for ALS groups, Iron Phi honors his legacy and supports individuals suffering from the very same condition.

One of the reasons that more support is needed for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) organizations is because of the damaging effects it has on those that develop the condition. About 5,600 people in the US are diagnosed with ALS annually, and the progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Because motor neurons extend form the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to muscles throughout the body, the condition can make even simple actions very difficult. Eventually this degradation leads to death. Kevin Canterbury acknowledges that ALS is a terrible disease, and its impact on even the strongest of us was a catalyst for him deciding to join in his fraternity’s fight against it.

This year, the top ten chapter fundraisers have yielded over $130,000 in donations to support the work being done for a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease. With the over 100 Iron Phi’s that have joined the organization in 2021, the organization only continues to grow. Finding a cure for ALS will require a lot of help- and Iron Phi plans to ramp up membership and donations for the 2021-2022 school year to further their impact and help even more individuals suffering with the condition.

Join the Fight

While the Iron Phi fundraiser for this year may be coming to an end, Kevin Canterbury speaks to the ways that those interested in joining the fight against ALS can contribute year-round. Many different organizations exist that are currently organizing for the cause- and many need your help! Volunteers can use their skills to contribute to planning, organizing, and helping run events that are organized for the purpose of ending ALS. People can also help by providing simple donations to ALS organizations whenever possible, as the funding that we give to non-profits helps them expand their impact and help more people with the disease. There are resources for finding your local chapter, which can give you an idea of the work that can be done to help support the cause. Kevin Canterbury encourages those that are interested not to wait for the next event to join the fight, however. Instead, look for small ways that you can assist these organizations more regularly, as they can certainly use the help.

 

 


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