Your support of ALS families is critical to eradicating the devastating effects of this disease
By Wendy Faust, Live Like Lou Executive Director
While 2024 was a year of record growth in the Live Like Lou Foundation’s programs and fundraising, it was a year that made our mission even more personal. With 739 new ALS families registered this year—more than double the total number of ALS families ever registered—volunteers, donors, and supporters stepped up to serve and support us as we reflect on the incredible impact Phi Delta Theta continues to make in our efforts to leave ALS better than we found it.
This fatal disease took our namesake, Lou Gehrig, Columbia 1925, our co-founder, Neil Alexander, Pitt, and far too many others. This year, our purpose and mission allowed us to not only serve registered families but also to rally support for three special Phi Delt alumni.
Last summer, Todd Nisbet, USC ’87, General Council member-at-large, shared with Phi Delt Nation of his Lou Gehrig’s disease diagnosis. “Since the impact of this disease is different for everyone, it is difficult to fully anticipate what to expect on the path ahead,” Todd shared in an email to the Fraternity’s General Officers.
W.L. Gray Jr., TCU ’70, chairman of the Live Like Lou Foundation, joined Todd for a tour of the Permobil manufacturing facilities, just a few weeks after receiving his Phi Delt, Live Like Lou, and Iron Phi power wheelchair.
John F. Ceriotti, Drake ’84, and his family joined us at the St. Louis Cardinals game in June to celebrate first baseman Paul Goldschmidt as the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award recipient. After caring for his sister, Bernadette, who had ALS and passed away in 2015, his own diagnosis in 2020 prompted him to pursue groundbreaking trials and advocate with policymakers for better access to needed research. John’s son, John C. Ceriotti, Iowa State ’18, joined his mom, Connie, on the field with us to receive a Cardinals’ branded power wheelchair.
Gary Glisson, Missouri ’81, was diagnosed with ALS during the pandemic, and it prompted many of his pledge brothers to rally support for him. They attend Mizzou football games together, reminisce about their college days, and offer support and camaraderie to Gary. “If Brother Lou Gehrig was the Iron Horse, Gary Glisson is the Steel Stallion. Both great men, who accepted their fate, did not let it define them and are inspirations to those who knew them or knew of them,” shared Bill Meeker, Missouri ’80. Gary is also rocking a Phi Delt and Live Like Lou branded power wheelchair!
While ALS affects more than 6,000 individuals each year in North America, these personal stories highlight the profound impact of ALS on the Phi Delta Theta community and underscore the importance of the Live Like Lou Foundation’s mission. By providing support, raising awareness, and funding research, the Foundation continues to honor Lou Gehrig’s legacy and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by ALS.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ALS, Live Like Lou’s team is here for you and ready to support you. Visit livelikelou.org/als-families for more information.
Are you interested in making a difference for a family affected by Lou Gehrig’s disease near you? Visit livelikelou.org/phideltsserve to see where there are families in need, or register with us today at livelikelou.org/volunteer.
