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

Jon Blais, a.k.a. Blazeman was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in May of 2005 and won the hearts of millions five months later when he became the first ALS patient to race and finish the grueling World Championship Ironman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii while being filmed by NBC Sports. Jon’s race became more than a race. Jon’s race symbolized not only his battle with ALS but also the battles of generations before him and generations to follow. Jon knew just attempting the ironman would make a statement to his disease and to everyone watching… actually finishing the race would make a statement to the world. Well Jon finished that race. Jon finished that race with more style, class, dignity, and honor than I can even attempt to explain.

The following year, the disease had advanced to the point of forcing Jon to watch the 2006 race confined to a wheelchair. From his chair he watched and cheered his friends who were racing in his honor and who were racing to continue to raise awareness for Blazeman’s cause. And on May 27th, 2007, the triathlon community and mankind as a whole lost a true hero as Jon passed away at the age of 35. In two short years he became a powerful voice using the sport he loved to help promote awareness and raise funds to find a cure for his disease through The Blazeman Foundation.

Besides his long time passion for the sport of triathlon, Jon was also an avid mountain climber, hiker, and a gifted and insightful writer. He took his gifts into the classroom where, as a teacher, he inspired many special needs students to reach their potential and realize their dreams.

Like many others, I first learned of Jon and his cause while watching the NBC telecast of the Ironman triathlon. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Jon personally, I did have the honor and pleasure of corresponding with Jon and his support crew and family. I have since developed a fond friendship with his parents and am also proud to call myself a “Blazeman Warrior”. We can all rest assured that Jon’s efforts will continue on and thrive with the same passion and commitment that Jon intended.

Following is a message from Jon:

And by all means, whatever you do…Get it on film”.… Jon Blais