Every year, the brothers of the New York Eta Chapter at the Rochester Institute of Technology participate in The ALS Association’s Walk to Defeat ALS at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester, NY. The brothers get up bright and early to volunteer by setting up tables, banners and decorating for the event. This year, more than 500 participants arrived ready to walk on wonderful morning on Lake Ontario. The brothers of New York Eta helped sign-in participants as well as register new ones.

New York Eta’s new members were involved with the event as well. Giving them a chance to make a difference and experience the philanthropic work that Phi Delts do was a great outcome of the event. For the new members of Phi Delta Theta, hearing about ALS and then meeting those affected by the disease was captivating, especially meeting an amazing man named John.

John is battling ALS and participates in the walk each year. He remembers the Phi Delts each year when he sees the chapter at the walk, and he sometimes even remembers brothers on a first name basis. The conversations with John started by asking where he was from, but they quickly turned into life-changing advice and guidance. He shared his experience with ALS and encouraged brothers to do well in school and continue giving back. His resounding statement was about how appreciative he was that Phi Delta Theta remembers to come back each year and simply help set up and take down the event.

“You have no idea… how much it means to me, that you guys are here to help out. I sincerely appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. You guys are doing simple, great things.”

The brothers of New York Eta look forward to participating in the event next year.