Ironman 70.3 Miami Supports the Blazeman Foundation for ALS

The Ironman 70.3 Miami announces its support of the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. Through the partnership, athletes who are participating in the race now have the opportunity to make a contribution to the foundation when registering for the event and support the fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The Blazeman Foundation will also be featured at the event EXPO and the official event Welcome Dinner, so not only athletes but everyone attending has a chance to know more about the War on ALS. In memory of Jon “Blazeman” Blais, the Ironman 70.3 Miami has reserved the race number 179, Jon’s Kona number.

You now have the opportunity to make a contribution to the foundation when registering for the event. If you already registered and did not make a donation but would like to do so at this time, simply click here to be directed to the Blazeman Foundation for ALS donation page.

About Jon “Blazeman” Blais

Competing in triathlons for 20 years, Jon always wanted to compete in an Ironman – especially in Hawaii. On October 15, 2005, only 5 months after being diagnosed with ALS – an illness more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease , Jon became the only individual with ALS to complete an Ironman, finishing in 16:28:56. He crossed the finish line by log-rolling over it, and since then, the “log roll” has been graciously performed by countless athletes as a symbol of hope, and more importantly, as a means of raising awareness for ALS. In two short years, Jon became a powerful voice for ALS, using the sport he loved to help promote awareness and fundraising to find a cure for this horrific disease. Jon passed away on May 27, 2007.
About ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive degenerative disease that attacks the motor neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons control the movement of voluntary muscles. Death of the motor neurons makes it impossible for the brain to control muscles or signal them to move. As the muscles atrophy, it results in weakness and loss of coordination.
ALS is unpreventable, untreatable and incurable. ALS attacks otherwise healthy adults randomly and spontaneously. Once diagnosed, people with ALS have an average life expectancy of 2 – 5 years.

About the Blazeman Foundation for ALS

The Blazeman Foundation for ALS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It is a family foundation that serves to carry out the vision of its namesake and founder, the late Jonathan “Blazeman” Blais. Contributions to the foundation are tax deductible.

The mission of the Blazeman Foundation for ALS is 1) to raise awareness about ALS by leveraging the energy, commitment and compassion of the multi-sport community and 2) to raise necessary funds to be directed into cutting-edge scientific research to find treatments and an eventual cure for ALS…So Others May Live.

To find out more about the Blazeman Foundation for ALS, please visit: www.waronals.com