Quinnipiac University junior and Sigma Phi Epsilon brother, Joey Mullaney, was born with Friedreich’s Ataxia. In case you’ve been falling asleep in bio (all of us), Friedreich’s Ataxia is a degenerative, neuro-musclar disorder that damages the nervous system. It also leaves the possessor handicapped and with a shorter life expectancy. Always optimistic and energetic, Joey never let his disease get in the way of joining clubs and being the social hub of campus. However, there is one thing he never believed he’d be able to accomplish. Since he was confined to a wheelchair, he had accepted that he’d never be able to climb the Sleeping Giant Mountain, a tradition for Quinnipiac students during their time as undergrads.
That’s when his brothers decided that he was wrong. Last spring, the Quinnipiac chapter of Sig Ep combined Joey’s consistently positive attitude with their “no man left behind” spirit. They decided to start a mission titled “Get Joe Up the Mountain.” According to Fox, The fraternity woke up early and told Joey that they were going to breakfast. And while waffles are great, what they did was even better.
They drove to the mountain and they took turns carrying Joey on their backs up the rocky terrain so that he could experience one of the biggest QU traditions alongside his best friends.
In addition to getting Joey up the mountain, the chapter also organized a RideAtaxia FARA bike ride. This was created to raise money and awareness to find a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia. Last year they raised upwards of $30,000 and are hoping for even more success this year.
Make sure you’re wearing waterproof mascara, because this sob-inducing video is the true definition of love and brotherhood.
To donate and help QU Sig Ep on their journey to finding a cure for Friedreich’s Ataxia, click here.
Well done, boys. Well done..
[via Fox]
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