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Greetings Blazeman Warriors and Friends,

 
 
 
Ten years ago on August 31st we celebrated Jon's life in Bristol, RI on the shores of Narragansett Bay. That is a spot that was special to Jon and one can see part of it on the NBC coverage of the 2005 Ironman as he walked down to the shoreline. Kenny Woo, Jon's videographer, Peter Henning and Scott Boggins, the producers came to say goodbye, along with many friends and family. That night we were presented with the Emmy won for the 2006 Ironman that covered Jon's farewell to the sport he loved.


On Wednesday, August 30th, it will be Jon's birthday...he would be turning 46...so as I say every year, have some ice cream and celebrate! 



In Strength, Honor and Freedom,

Mary Ann and Bob,
Jon's mom and dad


  
P.S.  And now there are two ways you can show your support. A portion of your purchases from Amazon will go to the Blazeman Foundation. Or you can click here to make your traditional donation now!

 



When the purchase of 2 freezers make a difference...
 
  
When Jon was growing up a freezer to him meant ice cream! Certainly he was always opening ours in search of some mint chocolate chip or his current favorite flavor. Storing ALS tissue was not in any of our radar. Fast forward to 2017, the BMF  has responded to Dr. Ron Zielke's appeal to us to purchase 2 new freezers to replace the aging one's currently in use. Jon's tissue is there along with many other pALS that have donated their ALS tissue post mortem. This tissue is available to all researchers world wide doing ALS research.
The cost of procuring this tissue for families is covered by a grant from the Blazeman Foundation in Jon's memory.  


 
 
The dedication will be held on August 30th which just happens to be Jon's birthday. Blazeman Warrior, Debra Saltz along with her friend and supporter, Nancy Forster will be attending in our place. Pictures and update to follow!
Farewell Dr. Ron Zielke!

The time has come for Dr. Zielke to retire...he will be so missed by many colleagues and friends alike...he is the face of the University of Maryland's Brain and Tissue Bank. We wish him much happiness in his retirement. We have relied on his knowledge and expertise
these past years and we are committed to continue our support of the tissue bank for years to come.

Dr. Tom Blanchard will be assuming Ron's post and we assured them both in a recent conference call of our support.

Please share with us in wishing good health and much happiness to Ron in the next chapter of his life! 
 

     A Second Book for Chrissie!

This October brings the release of Chrissie Wellington's new book...To the Finish Line. Having been contacted again and supplying a personal picture of Jon we so look forward to this release! To our multi-sport supporters out there this is a must have. We cherish our memories of knowing Chrissie and her family...

pre-order now
 
Requesting Number 179

Thank you to all the athletes that continue to request Jon's number...your letters to Ironman have been shared with us and those letters always make our day!
Remember to place your request as early as possible to athlete services @ ironman. For non WTC races. just contact the race director of you race.
Please let me know via email...would love to hear from you! Pictures appreciated!!


FALL BLAZE RIDE...Death Ride Tour from Barry Sopinsky


 
Looking for a fall ride in New England? Look no further! Thank you, Barry Sopinsky for your support in the War on ALS

Register here


My son Jon...

Every year around Jon's birthday I find myself re-reading many of the cards he made and sent to me...this is one of my favorites that I love to share...

Les Pieds
"these feet"
To: My Mom

They grew...
As they entered the world
kicking and screaming being held in your arms.
They hung and swung...
with arms reaching for snacks from ALMACS shopping carts.
They crawled...
into its first pair of own tied shoes on Duncan Road.
They spent...
endless sandbox TONKA time
with the other apple that didn't fall far from the tree.
They climbed...
stood with imagination atop trees where great forts were built.
They got wet...
flying with laughter through summer skies
launched from Dad's shoulders into the Seekonk swim and tennis club pool.
They ran...
homeward bound at supper time
with hunger through back yards at the sound of...
"JON-A-THAN"
They co- piloted...
with the likes of FIAT'S company cars and A.M. talk radio.
They ran...
earning a Varsity spot their first year as a Warrior.
They achieved...
stood and walked isles of graduation that were not promised to them.
They tri-d...
swimming & biking & running with the best of them. 
They conquered...
new territory westward in search of an IRONMAN.
They trodden...
atop mountains and foreign lands and
through places where no Blais had set feet before.
These feet...
named "BUBBA"
want you to know 
what you mean to them... always.
Love, xoxo
Jonathan Sethers
Size: 10

  Happy Birthday Bubba!


Finally,

Please take a few moments and look at Jon's website www.waronals.org
and also the many utube videos on line under the name blazeman...

Thank you,

Warmly,
Mary Ann and Bob,
Jon's mom and dad
 
new footer
On May 2, 2005, twenty-year Multi-Sport veteran Jon Blais a.k.a. "Blazeman" at age 33 was diagnosed with the fatal motor neuron disease ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Blazeman dubbed himself the "ALS Warrior Poet" and brought his battle to the big island of Hawaii on October 15th that year, where he became the first person with ALS to complete the Ironman World Championships. It was his last race. In 2006, a number of athletes, inspired by Jon's 2005 efforts, rolled across the finish line in Hawaii in honor of Jon and his battle against ALS. In 2007, the Blazeman Foundation for ALS expanded Team Blazeman, comprised of "Blazeman Warriors" who have committed to raising awareness and funding a search for a cure for ALS..."So  Others May Live."