Teeter-totters for CF

Gotta love this fraternity:

Phi Delta Theta teeter totter for Cystic Fibrosis

Eighth annual philanthropic event brings positive attention to both the disease and the fraternity

By: Lexie Imhaus

Posted: 5/6/08

The gentlemen of Phi Delta Theta have finished yet another successful year of their annual philanthropy Teeter Totter event that helps raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research. Students may have noticed the presence of a blue and white teeter totter from April 30 to May 1, as well as a big cluster of fraternity guys and occasional girls, but this philanthropy proves to be more eventful than the eye can see.

"Organizing an event like this gives Phi Delta Theta an opportunity to inform the school and community about CF and gives the students a chance to learn and foster good relationships with the public at large and help with such an important cause," said the philanthropy chair Andrew Norwine.

Phi Delta Theta originally put this philanthropy on for Lou Gehrig, a famous baseball player and alumnus of Phi Delta Theta. But when tragedy struck one of their Cal Sigma Brethren, Woody Bolin, who died tragically in August of 2006 from cystic fibrosis, the brothers of Cal Sigma decided to honor him by changing the cause of this philanthropy from benefiting Lou Gehrig's disease to Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the mucus glands in the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines in the human body which slowly attacks and disables the patient's body. There is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis and most people die young from this terrible disease, most commonly in their 20s or 30s. Although there is still hope for people diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. New treatments are continually being introduced and patients now have a possibility of living well past their 40s and into their 50s.

This was the eighth annual teeter totter event. The boys stayed out in the Stevenson quad for 48 hours straight, all the while switching for shifts during the day and all throughout the night to bring awareness and raise money for their philanthropy. The Teeter Totter was originally built by a member named Casey Caldwell in spring 2000 and they have used the same structure ever since, making only slight modifications each year to ensure safety and comfort.

Every year the men of Phi Delta Theta make sure to schedule the philanthropy before the Cystic Fibrosis walk that takes place every year in San Francisco. This philanthropy also includes the women of Alpha Gamma Delta; coincidentally Woody Bolin married an Alpha Gamma Delta. In honor of her husband, Allison Bolin accompanies the Phi Delta Theta's.

During the 48 hour event, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to donate money and members of sororities bring food and baked goods to help promote and support the Phi Delta Theta members in their philanthropic endeavors.

"As president I can honestly say that Phi Delta Theta looks forward to and anticipates this philanthropic event each and every year, and I feel privileged to be a part of such a excellent event," said Matt Haman.

"I think Teeter Totter is nothing short of amazing. It's where all the students can get involved and actively participate. Since it is all night and all day for 48 hours, it shows the dedication the Phi's have towards their philanthropy," said Lauren Morse of Alpha Xi Delta.

Even alumni from Phi Delta Theta show their continued support.

"I'm proud to see the current brothers join alumni supporting this event for Teeter Totter and the CF walk. It's good to see the current brothers carrying on our long time tradition of the Teeter Totter" said alumni Frans Moerbeek.
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