Blazeman Foundation for ALS
Hi all,
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the upper and lower motor neurons in the motor cortex, brain stem, and spinal cord. There is currently no cure for this disease, nor are there any effective treatments. ALS had a surge in awareness following a 2014 viral video chain known as the "Ice Bucket Challenge." Long before the Ice Bucket Challenge, there was a man named Jon Blais. Jon was diagnosed with ALS at thirty-three and refused to be relegated to a mundane existence. Instead, Jon created a foundation for ALS research, became an influential voice in the ALS community, and became the first person with ALS to complete an Ironman Triathlon. I first encountered Jon's story in 2005 when I watched his finish at the Ironman World Championships. As I have grown into a triathlete and distance runner, Jon's story is one about which I have often thought. ALS really became tangible when my godmother was diagnosed in 2017. As soon as she told me about her diagnosis, I knew that I wanted to find a way to help spread awareness and raise money for ALS research. A diagnosis of ALS is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. They lose their health, independence, and financial security. As we know too well, when one family member is diagnosed with ALS, they all live it. After years of training and racing, I wanted a way to focus all of those hours more productively and to become a part of something larger than myself. This September, I will be riding my bicycle from Newport, Rhode Island to San Fransisco, California entirely unsupported, raising money for the Blazeman Foundation for ALS Research. Each finish line I roll across, every spectator and volunteer who hears Jon's story, and every conversation I have about my ALS foundation bracelet increases awareness and brings science closer to curing this disease. I've set up this page as a way to help finance the trip across the country, along with all donations made through Blazeman Foundation for ALS , any excess funding will be donated to the Blazeman Foundation for ALS research.
For everyone who does not know Jon Blais, please see : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vrjp2P0GlE
See you in San Francisco.
