On March 10-11, 2014, the Brothers of Eta Tau Chapter at CSU-Stanislaus paired up to participate in their 10th annual Row-a-Thon for Asthma. Over a 36-hour period, the brothers took turns rowing a canoe in the campus reflection pond to raise money for Californiabreathing.org.
“Row-a-Thon is not a competitive event,” said Chapter President, Broneil Ishaya (2014). “We are rowing to raise Asthma awareness. We raise funds through donations from companies, alumni, staff and students,” he said.
Friends, sorority members and other organizations turn out to support the brothers during the event. Most of the brothers’ food and snacks are donated by the sororities. Others come out and sit with the brothers who are not rowing. It is during that time that the brothers take the opportunity to educate others about their cause.
“In my opinion, rowing at night is the best time to row because the hot California sun is not scorching down on you,” said Ishaya. “You get to row comfortably,” he continued.
For the brothers of Eta Tau, the Row-a-Thon is also personal.
“We do this event because we had a brother, John Tooma, who died a few years back due to an asthma attack,” said Recruitment Chairman, Luis Magana (2016), “John was elected President of the chapter in 2014, but suffered a fatal asthma attack before he started his term. Rowing in the reflection pond was something that John always wanted to do but never had the chance,” he said.
According to the Californiabreathing.org, approximately 62,000 adults and children in Stanislaus County have been diagnosed with asthma in 2010. Asthma is common in Stanislaus County because of its location in a large valley surrounded by mountains.
This year the 20 brothers, six pledges and Greek advisor Nicole Turner who participated in the Row-a-Thon for Asthma were able to raise $700 for Californiabreathing.org. Row-a-Thon for Asthma was also voted Best Philanthropy Event of the 2013/2014 academic year at CSU Stanislaus.