Phi Delt At Colorado State University To Hold 5K For Brother Who Suffered Life-Threatening Injuries

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In August, 19 year-old Jack Gause was home for the summer after his first year at Colorado State University. He was riding down the highway with his two lifelong friends, Mason Ismert and Noah Graham, when Ismert lost control of the SUV.

When the mangled vehicle came to a halt after rolling two and a half times, Gause’s life had changed forever.

Luckily, Gause had a seatbelt on. Graham did not, and died in the hospital. Luckily, Gause was awake to tell the doctors his leg felt strange. If he did not, he would have died of blood loss from a torn aorta. And luckily, Gause has the love and support of his brothers in Phi Delta Theta. If he did not, his family would be in an even deeper financial hole.

The fraternity organized “Jog for Jack,” a 5K run which will take off this Saturday at the CSU Phi Delt house. Money raised at the event will be donated to Gause’s family to offset the steep medical expenses.

While the torn aorta was the most life threatening of injuries he sustained, a broken leg, broken rib, punctured lungs, torn pelvic muscles, and torn main ligaments have left Gause confined to a wheelchair. But he’s just thankful to be alive. His mother, Cathy Smith, certainly is.

From The Rocky Mountain Collegian:

“The fraternity has been so generous, it’s beyond words,” Smith said. “They are supposed to act like a community, and sometimes that’s forgotten. But, they proved to me and to our family why being part of a community like that is so great. I think it shows how classy CSU is.”

Ismert also survived the crash, and will transfer to CSU to be a member of Phi Delt alongside Gause in the spring.

As of Sunday, the “Jog for Jack” fund has raised over $9,000 (the GoFundMe, which you can donate to here, has raked in over $2,500) for the Gause family. If you’re not too far from CSU, then sign up for the 5K here.

[via The Rocky Mountain Collegian]

  1. Fuckedupfriday

    I went to high school with graham. Great kid. Will definitely be going to this event. Proud to be a ram.

    9 years ago at 2:56 pm
    1. HorniestHornedFrog

      what year did you graduate? I’m an Arapahoe grad too and I also knew Noah.

      9 years ago at 7:03 pm
  2. BooRadley264

    So many other chapters would just ask for donations. This is something to be proud of, that they’re throwing an event to *raise* money for him. Damn proud.

    9 years ago at 2:59 pm
  3. mkchillin

    Though separated by distance, I’ve let my chapter know and I’ll be sure to donate to your page. Godspeed from Cal Xi, proud to be a Phi.

    9 years ago at 4:34 pm
    1. DevinMichaelDunn

      On behalf of colorado gamma thank you so much for your support! It means the world to us and the Gause family. YITB 1145

      9 years ago at 7:55 pm
  4. AverageTrapQueen

    I’ve gained so much respect for these guys. Such a terrible tragedy, I’m glad he’s doing better! This just shows how strong of a brotherhood they have and I’m proud to be a part of the CSU Greek community!!!

    9 years ago at 4:59 pm