Your son is an inspiration. You should feel very proud of him and your parenting. Your son will always be the angel watching over you. May his soul always live on with you and your family
As a kid I grew up in the same neighborhood where Jon lived. There were quite a few young kids in the neighborhood and Jon was about 10 years older than all of us. This was in the 90's, before the times of iphones and computers so we all spent most of every day riding around on our bikes. When Jon would ride by us kids on his triathlon bike, to us it was like superman himself had riden past us. And of course then we'd go racing around the neighborhood on our huffies like we were training for a triathlon too. Jon was someone we looked up to and now even 20 years later I still look up to him and find what he has done to be greatly inspiring.
True inspiration. Jon hasn't gone anywhere. He still lives in everyone who he touched. And that includes all of us that have seen this even once. Godspeed Jon
Robert Laird... The time each of us had with Jon was a blessing and an inspiration that continues to enrich our lives. My love and thanks to you for how you have chosen to honor your most incredible son.
He was a huge source of inspiration to me, so that the next ironman I will enter, it will be with his name that I will run on my back, thus honoring the great man that he was and will always be. I hope you do not mind me honoring his memory in this way.
In a short time, Jon became an invaluable member of the Ironman family, opening eyes and hearts to the seriousness of ALS. After his participation in 2005, he returned to the 2006 event in a wheelchair to cheer on a fellow triathlete who was racing on behalf of the ALS cause. Jon Blais passed away on May 27, 2007. He had a profound affect on everyone he met and even those he hadn’t. From his outlook on life and the wisdom he exuded while battling ALS to his passion for Ironman, the impact will last for a lifetime.
I am in training for the 2014 Chattanooga Ironman Triathlon. While I ride my bike on the trainer during the winter months, I watch old Ironman videos for inspiration. Yesterday I watched 2007 where they showed the girl rolling acroos the finish line just as Johnny did when he finished Ironman Kona. I stopped riding and tears streamed down my face. It touched me very deeply. I have heard his story before but at that moment, it hit me in the heart. Your son was truly an inspiration. I would be interested in racing in his name on Sept 28, 2014 in Chattanooga Ironman. Sincerely, Dana
Lavaman...we remember...thank you. Thank you for : "Remembering the -blazeman...Ironman's Braveheart". "Believe...Pick a stronger word than Hope...Cure". -blazeman blazedad...jon's dad.
I still watch this video all the time. I chanted his poem the last couple miles of the marathon when I thought I wouldn't make it. He is the sort that makes you believe you can achieve anything. A true inspiration.
BLAZEMAN is the best!!!! RIP... I am doing my first ironman in april in arizona. Watching this video gets me out there training and brings tears to my eyes. He is a true hero and inspiration!!!! Blazemanmom, my thoughts and prayers are with you guys and Jon is with all of us triathletes when training and racing. His spirit will live on forever! You guys raised an unbelieveable son and person!!!
I have mny second Triathlon on Sunday so I thought I would watch this and get that boost I need to get through the miles. I wish I could have met him. Thank God for the time he spent with us.
I watched this a thousand times. And yet every time I feel low or need inspiration I come back to this video. He embodies the greatest parts of the human condition. Jon is bravery. Jon is my hero. Jon is life.
I am 2 days away from my first triathlon. Blazeman is my inspiration, his courage and approach to his ultimate challenge makes me very humble. I will be wearing 179 in your honour Jon and will remember your inspirational words forever.... this is it...my life...and it will be on film thanks to you!
I have multiple sclerosis and am still clining to the dream of going to kona. I watch this and am so hopeful I'll get there before it's to late. God bless your family.
The True Meaning of Life! John Blais sums it up. Aside from the amazing editingand inspirational music you can't get past the fact that Jon Blais was an amazing man who was able to share his gift of life with the rest of us. I raced Ironman Louisville 2009 and Jon was one of my biggest motivators. I have been fortunate to have a perfectly healthy body but I aspire to be more like Jon. God Bless him for living and showing others how. Competitor 1122
Nancy, thank you for this kind and thoughtful gift, (your words are inspirational and touch the heart), your recognition of Debra and our son Jon, our "alswarriorpoet-spirit"..., and all (poet-spirits)... "poets"..., pALS, (people with ALS), speak to your kindness and generosity, it is so very much appreciated...thank you, Jon, bmom and bdad...jon's mom and dad.
I just finished watching the RUclips clip, of Jon's journey to the Ironman -- which I've seen already at least a dozen times, but I re-watch often. I live in Vancouver, Canada, and every time we drive by Yellow Lake -- where part of his ashes were lovingly set this past summer by someone on Team Blazeman -- in Penticton. He was an incredible person. I hope the fact that he is thought of the world over, helps lessen some of your pain. His life truly counted. Mary-Jo Dionne
I just showed this video to my daughter because she asked me why Chrissie rolled at the end of Timberman 2010, (My first half ironman). She is 23 years old with an artist's heart and loved his warrior poetry and his story. As his mother I hope you take some comfort from knowing that he continues to inspire warrior poets to live life to the fullest!!
Kelly "club members" and participants, thank you for this most generous gift and your recognition of our son Jon, our "alswarriorpoet-spirit"... and all "poets", pALS, (people with ALS), the generosity and kindness is very much needed and appreciated...thank you, (BOD) and bmom and bdad...jon's mom and dad.
I first saw your incredible story while watching the 2005 Ironman. As an avid baseball history fan I consider Lou Gehrig one of the greatest because he was likely the first to give ALS a voice. Your voice has been much louder and stronger thank goodness. The words THANK YOU are not enough to express how you have opened eyes and minds about ALS and hopefully soon there will be a cure." Mary Ann Pults
I survived a bad car wreck & have a spine full of screws & rods. Because of the Warrior Poet's story, I found determination and a fight inside me that I never knew I had. I finished Ironman Augusta 70.3 this weekend; my first triathlon ever because of your son's amazing story. Thank you for touching my life Blazeman! -Brian
Jon Blais becomes the first athlete with ALS to finish this race. Finishing in a time of 16:28:56, he rolls across the finish line as a symbol of his fight against the disease. His famous "Blazeman roll" would go on to become a staple at IRONMAN finish lines all over the world in support of the battle against ALS.
"I first saw your incredible story while watching the 2005 Ironman. As an avid baseball history fan I consider Lou Gehrig one of the greatest because he was likely the first to give ALS a voice. Your voice has been much louder and stronger thank goodness. The words THANK YOU are not enough to express how you have opened eyes and minds about ALS and hopefully soon there will be a cure." Mary Ann Pults
At your suggestion, I signed into the BLAZEMAN Foundation web site today. What a touching and inspiring son you and your wife brought into this world. I am in awe of all that he was and what your foundation is doing for curing ALS. Please know that my support and especially my prayers are with you and your family.....Pat Flynn
In 2 months it will be 5 years since Jon passed away...for me in many ways it was yesterday...listening to this video is like is has never left...love you Jon....mom
I wanted to send you a short message to convey heartfelt thanks for using the power of sport to support a cause that is so incredibly close to my heart - the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. Your contribution ...truly is making a huge and valuable difference, with every last penny going towards finding a cure for this horrific disease. The power is in your hands, or your pedal stroke! You should never stop believing in what you can achieve. The obstacles are only those that exist in your mind. There are no stars that you can’t touch and grasp with two hands. Good luck for the cycle, and know that with every heart beat you are taking us one step closer to a cure…So Others May Live. Thank you, good luck, and remember I am with you every pedal stroke of the way! With smiles Chrissie World Ironman Champion 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
Thank you...agreed...jon would be the first to say, as he did, "the meaning of life is to live life"...to live in the moment, and to savor each and every one of them...it is after all, "what we have, what we all have". Thank you for taking the time to share with us...especially your kindness for our son, our "braveheart". In Freedom(from ALS) and with appreciation. blazedad...jon's dad.
Mrs. Blais, I am sure that the hurt will never go, but take great pride in the job that you and your Husband have done in bringing up a boy who became a great man amongst men. A beacon of hope to many, someone who has lit a thousand dark moments for people with his strength and determination. I am a firm believer that if you can be remembered for changing one life you'll never be dead. Jon is one of those people. Well done and live strong.
Clayton Tebbetts... Thank you for donating, your pledges to honor the -blazeman and all those who fall victim to this awful disease. We Cycle for those who no longer can, we join the The Blazeman Foundation for ALS... thanking each and everyone who is supporting the War On ALS by cycling, fund-raising and donating to help us continue toward finding (meaningful treatment and a cure)...."So others may live"...Freedom...(from ALS)...thank you, Clayton.
You are amazing John, your heart is still here, I live 10000km from were you lived and I can feel and get connected to you and your family, My heart is with you blazedad and mom, You touched in all of us, John, God Bless You
I was thinking of the Blazeman Foundation over the holidays. My family spent Christmas in Kona! We went all over the island and then looked at the course for the IronMan- all I can say is, "WOW!" As a scientist who knows what ALS does, not as an athlete, I have a whole new appreciation for your son. We will keeping plugging away! Have a nice week-end. Carol Carol Milligan, Ph.D. Professor Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
From Dan Dortic... Bob, "It has been and will always be my pleasure to help continue the FIGHT. I don't know if you know this but that video is how I learned of Jon and cannot watch it without feeling empowered while at the same time becoming completely emotional. Those feelings is what Jon would have wanted athletes and all people to feel. God Bless the BLAZEMAN for even in death he continues to motivate, teach, and inspire." FREEDOM!! Dan
A week tomorrow I'll do my first Ironman. Over the last few months I've watched this video just to keep going, whenever I've felt low, or if the training wasn't going that well. Whenever I need strength in next week's race, Blazeman will be one of the first people I think of.
Donna Stuedeman "As a survivor of a different neurological disease, I understand the importance of research to try to find a cure. Kudos to you for reaching out and making a difference in many lives!"
Ken Woo I'll never forget it, Blazeman and the BlazeFam. Extremely happy to see all the ice bucket challenges and for ALS to be on people's minds. Bless them all. FREEDOMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!
@runiac2 ...Thank you for these kind words and the kindness... August is a very difficult time, Jon's birthday the 30th and 3yrs ago we celebrated his life on the 31st...your act of kindness is so very much appreciated. In Freedom (from ALS) and with my appreciation, blazedad...jon's dad.
Wow this is the first time watching this ,and I truley beleive that i was meant to see it at the same time as Jons Dad was posting something .Jon was so special and even though I only got to spend a little time with him I truley was greatful for meeting him I will never forget him and I admire that both his Mother and Father never gave up his fight .Thank You both ,Joanmarie ( I will be forwarding this to someone that was just told they to have als)
Blazeman and family - I'm racing my second tri (only an olympic) this weekend. You're one of the reasons I got into this sport. I'll be thinking about you out on the course.
Hi All- I am excited that I will be participating in the The Blazeman Foundation for ALS - February Cycle-A-Thon at Multisports Academy in Hamden, CT...thank you for making this donation towards the War on ALS, my plan is to ride all 4 hours, and your support will keep me going for his amazing cause...thank you, Shannon...
Excited to have Brent Bieshaar racing in the XTERRA Eureka Springs as part of his XTERRA Across America odyssey to compete in an XTERRA race every week of the 2013 season. He has taken on this challenge to raise money an awareness for the Blazeman foundation for ALS. Way to go, Brent!
Hi Blazemanmom, I have no words for what you and your family have gone through and still deal with. But I hope it helps you to know that your son's story has helped me deal with MS. This year I am running Ironman Canada, and I will carry his spirit and story with me to the finish line. Running for my life, Ray
Thank you, meaningful and kind donations to the Blazeman Foundation...because of your donation, needed research will continue!..."So Others May Live"...G-D bless and thank you all...your friend, "the-blazeman", (alswarriorpoet-spirit), Jon.
I'm sitting here sobbing at my PC. I am doing a half-Ironman in a few weeks, I'll think of Jon when the going get's tough. I can only hope I would be able face Jon's mountain with as much positivity and grace - not sure I could. A classy gent. I'll be looking into doing something for ALS. Kevin, 39, a Scot (and a braveheart fan)
Lavaman 3682...Thank you for your kindness...most especially for "Remembering the -blazeman...Ironman's-Braveheart"...Mary Ann and so appreciate your words and thought...thank you...bmom and bdad...jon's mom and dad.
This is amazing. I wish I had seen this sooner. What an amazing story. All my love to Jon's Mom and Dad! I wish you all the best in your life, and may you learn all that he hoped you would learn from your struggles.
"The Cause"...(if you're willing to do it for a cause, maybe we can do something the world will hear), Jon B's words to Brian Breen concerning (ALS), but for Jon, having a "cause" made all the difference...and it still does!...G-D bless, bdad,,,Jon's dad.
On May2,2005 Jon's diagnosis of ALS was confirmed. May27,2007 he passes away. I am still in awe of what he accomplished in those 2 years. He completed Ironman 18 months into his disease, started the Blazeman Foundation for ALS and could still laugh for most of that time! We miss you Jon, today more than ever...
"An Athletes' roll"...Blazeman Warrior...(awareness and a cure), capturing the -blazeman's spirit by "fighting the good fight"...by believing we can do more...and someday we will hear the words never spoken, "I Am An ALS Survivor"...it will be because so many have a "cause" bigger than the self..."that others may live"...G-D bless and thank you all...FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! your friend, "the-blazeman", (alswarriorpoet-spirit)...and the (poets)...their families and friends.
Thank you...FREEDOM...(from ALS)...you are doing what "warriors" do...(making a difference)...please, believe and remember, from Gladiator, "what we do in life echos in eternity"...your actions are part of the echo in the WarOnALS...you are making the voice of all pALS,(people with ALS) heard..."so others may live."...thank you, for the -blazeman and his mom and dad.
Thanks Joanmarie,,,remember that night well...come on out in May for the RUNFORPALS in Seekonk...it is a run/walk Love to meet you again! Mary Ann jon's mom
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you all for visiting Jon's video...we miss him more as time goes on...
Watching this video brings our son to life every time we watch it. Thank you all for viewing.He inspires us his parents-he was a terrific son...
179 pulled me through IMC 2010, and his words occur to me often still.
He turned me into an MS_Warrior his inspiration still has legs.
Your son is an inspiration. You should feel very proud of him and your parenting. Your son will always be the angel watching over you. May his soul always live on with you and your family
Your son lives in all of us and every time we successfully cross that finish line, so does he.
Always good to know I can hear your voice and see your face...
He is not forgotten. His life and words are still so inspiring. 💜
He's one of the person who actually saved my life I started running because of him it saved me from depression 🙏🏼 thank you
So grateful to have this video and hear Jon's voice...
Still coming back after 10years to motivate myself to live a meaningful life. God Bless. Unforgotten Jon Blais!
Timo W Thank you!!
As a kid I grew up in the same neighborhood where Jon lived. There were quite a few young kids in the neighborhood and Jon was about 10 years older than all of us. This was in the 90's, before the times of iphones and computers so we all spent most of every day riding around on our bikes. When Jon would ride by us kids on his triathlon bike, to us it was like superman himself had riden past us. And of course then we'd go racing around the neighborhood on our huffies like we were training for a triathlon too. Jon was someone we looked up to and now even 20 years later I still look up to him and find what he has done to be greatly inspiring.
+David Welch , thanks for the memory!
Just following up a bunch of years later. Blazeman's legacy lives on. Still motivating the hell out of me after all these years
True inspiration. Jon hasn't gone anywhere. He still lives in everyone who he touched. And that includes all of us that have seen this even once. Godspeed Jon
Robert Laird... The time each of us had with Jon was a blessing and an inspiration that continues to enrich our lives. My love and thanks to you for how you have chosen to honor your most incredible son.
always glad to visit this video and hear your voice...
He was the reason, y i signed up for my first ironman. he gave me the power to do it! thank you, Jon !
He was a huge source of inspiration to me, so that the next ironman I will enter, it will be with his name that I will run on my back, thus honoring the great man that he was and will always be. I hope you do not mind me honoring his memory in this way.
In a short time, Jon became an invaluable member of the Ironman family, opening eyes and hearts to
the seriousness of ALS. After his participation in 2005, he returned to the 2006 event in a wheelchair to
cheer on a fellow triathlete who was racing on behalf of the ALS cause.
Jon Blais passed away on May 27, 2007. He had a profound affect on everyone he met and even those
he hadn’t. From his outlook on life and the wisdom he exuded while battling ALS to his passion for
Ironman, the impact will last for a lifetime.
The Ice Bucket Challenge reminded me of you, Jon. You stand as an inspiration to us all to push on and love life as we do!
I am in training for the 2014 Chattanooga Ironman Triathlon. While I ride my bike on the trainer during the winter months, I watch old Ironman videos for inspiration. Yesterday I watched 2007 where they showed the girl rolling acroos the finish line just as Johnny did when he finished Ironman Kona. I stopped riding and tears streamed down my face. It touched me very deeply. I have heard his story before but at that moment, it hit me in the heart. Your son was truly an inspiration. I would be interested in racing in his name on Sept 28, 2014 in Chattanooga Ironman.
Sincerely,
Dana
Thanks Lavaman....he still and always will make me cry...his courage and strength amaze me...thanks for the posting!
Jon,
I still come back to this video just to see you laughing...miss and love you always...
Mom
Lavaman...we remember...thank you.
Thank you for :
"Remembering the -blazeman...Ironman's Braveheart".
"Believe...Pick a stronger word than Hope...Cure". -blazeman
blazedad...jon's dad.
Still drawing inspiration from this moment I witnessed over 12 years ago.
Thanks Jon.
And yes, I still roll.
I still watch this video all the time. I chanted his poem the last couple miles of the marathon when I thought I wouldn't make it. He is the sort that makes you believe you can achieve anything. A true inspiration.
Brian,
Thank you for sharing that with us...he continues to inspire me every day...
bmom
BLAZEMAN is the best!!!! RIP... I am doing my first ironman in april in arizona. Watching this video gets me out there training and brings tears to my eyes. He is a true hero and inspiration!!!! Blazemanmom, my thoughts and prayers are with you guys and Jon is with all of us triathletes when training and racing. His spirit will live on forever! You guys raised an unbelieveable son and person!!!
I have mny second Triathlon on Sunday so I thought I would watch this and get that boost I need to get through the miles. I wish I could have met him. Thank God for the time he spent with us.
I watched this a thousand times. And yet every time I feel low or need inspiration I come back to this video. He embodies the greatest parts of the human condition.
Jon is bravery.
Jon is my hero.
Jon is life.
I am 2 days away from my first triathlon. Blazeman is my inspiration, his courage and approach to his ultimate challenge makes me very humble. I will be wearing 179 in your honour Jon and will remember your inspirational words forever.... this is it...my life...and it will be on film thanks to you!
I have multiple sclerosis and am still clining to the dream of going to kona. I watch this and am so hopeful I'll get there before it's to late. God bless your family.
The True Meaning of Life! John Blais sums it up. Aside from the amazing editingand inspirational music you can't get past the fact that Jon Blais was an amazing man who was able to share his gift of life with the rest of us. I raced Ironman Louisville 2009 and Jon was one of my biggest motivators. I have been fortunate to have a perfectly healthy body but I aspire to be more like Jon. God Bless him for living and showing others how.
Competitor 1122
Nancy, thank you for this kind and thoughtful gift, (your words are inspirational and touch the heart), your recognition of Debra and our son Jon, our "alswarriorpoet-spirit"..., and all (poet-spirits)... "poets"..., pALS, (people with ALS), speak to your kindness and generosity, it is so very much appreciated...thank you, Jon, bmom and bdad...jon's mom and dad.
I just finished watching the RUclips clip, of Jon's journey to the Ironman -- which I've seen already at least a dozen times, but I re-watch often. I live in Vancouver, Canada, and every time we drive by Yellow Lake -- where part of his ashes were lovingly set this past summer by someone on Team Blazeman -- in Penticton.
He was an incredible person. I hope the fact that he is thought of the world over, helps lessen some of your pain. His life truly counted.
Mary-Jo Dionne
I just showed this video to my daughter because she asked me why Chrissie rolled at the end of Timberman 2010, (My first half ironman). She is 23 years old with an artist's heart and loved his warrior poetry and his story. As his mother I hope you take some comfort from knowing that he continues to inspire warrior poets to live life to the fullest!!
Watching this again after many years. Jon is a true inspiration.
Kelly "club members" and participants, thank
you for this most generous gift and your recognition of our son Jon, our
"alswarriorpoet-spirit"... and all "poets", pALS, (people with
ALS), the generosity and kindness is very much needed and appreciated...thank
you, (BOD) and bmom and bdad...jon's mom and
dad.
I first saw your incredible story while watching the 2005 Ironman. As an avid baseball history fan I consider Lou Gehrig one of the greatest because he was likely the first to give ALS a voice. Your voice has been much louder and stronger thank goodness. The words THANK YOU are not enough to express how you have opened eyes and minds about ALS and hopefully soon there will be a cure."
Mary Ann Pults
Susie,
Jon always remained that energetic, optimistic young man you knew...thank you
I survived a bad car wreck & have a spine full of screws & rods. Because of the Warrior Poet's story, I found determination and a fight inside me that I never knew I had. I finished Ironman Augusta 70.3 this weekend; my first triathlon ever because of your son's amazing story. Thank you for touching my life Blazeman! -Brian
Jon Blais becomes the first athlete with ALS to finish this race. Finishing in a time of 16:28:56, he rolls across the finish line as a symbol of his fight against the disease. His famous "Blazeman roll" would go on to become a staple at IRONMAN finish lines all over the world in support of the battle against ALS.
"I first saw your incredible story while watching the 2005 Ironman. As an avid baseball history fan I consider Lou Gehrig one of the greatest because he was likely the first to give ALS a voice. Your voice has been much louder and stronger thank goodness. The words THANK YOU are not enough to express how you have opened eyes and minds about ALS and hopefully soon there will be a cure."
Mary Ann Pults
Jon's commentary is so powerful! I know he would be gladdened to know that we are proud of him and his inspiring fight. I miss you Jon!
At your suggestion, I signed into the BLAZEMAN Foundation web site today. What a touching and inspiring son you and your wife brought into this world. I am in awe of all that he was and what your foundation is doing for curing ALS.
Please know that my support and especially my prayers are with you and your family.....Pat Flynn
What a great outlook on life. Jon you are a true hero. Your message will continue to inspire and touch people forever. God bless.
In 2 months it will be 5 years since Jon passed away...for me in many ways it was yesterday...listening to this video is like is has never left...love you Jon....mom
I wanted to send you a short message to convey heartfelt thanks for using the power of sport to support a cause that is so incredibly close to my heart - the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. Your contribution ...truly is making a huge and valuable difference, with every last penny going towards finding a cure for this horrific disease.
The power is in your hands, or your pedal stroke! You should never stop believing in what you can achieve. The obstacles are only those that exist in your mind. There are no stars that you can’t touch and grasp with two hands. Good luck for the cycle, and know that with every heart beat you are taking us one step closer to a cure…So Others May Live.
Thank you, good luck, and remember I am with you every pedal stroke of the way!
With smiles
Chrissie
World Ironman Champion 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
Pushing off my run this morning, I came across this vid! Very Very inspiring. No more excuses. Thanks Blazeman!!!!!!!
Thank you...agreed...jon would be the first to say, as he did, "the meaning of life is to live life"...to live in the moment, and to savor each and every one of them...it is after all, "what we have, what we all have".
Thank you for taking the time to share with us...especially your kindness for our son, our "braveheart".
In Freedom(from ALS) and with appreciation.
blazedad...jon's dad.
Thanks for all your kind words and rembering Jon...
Mrs. Blais, I am sure that the hurt will never go, but take great pride in the job that you and your Husband have done in bringing up a boy who became a great man amongst men. A beacon of hope to many, someone who has lit a thousand dark moments for people with his strength and determination. I am a firm believer that if you can be remembered for changing one life you'll never be dead. Jon is one of those people. Well done and live strong.
His spirit will live forever...
I must have watched this 10 times or more.
Still think it's the best clip on youtube...
Tomorrow is May 2nd...4yrs since your diagnosis...tough weekend for mom and dad...we miss you and love you...
Clayton Tebbetts...
Thank you for donating, your pledges to honor the -blazeman and all those who fall victim to this awful disease. We Cycle for those who no longer can, we join the The Blazeman Foundation for ALS... thanking each and everyone who is supporting the War On ALS by cycling, fund-raising and donating to help us continue toward finding (meaningful treatment and a cure)...."So others may live"...Freedom...(from ALS)...thank you, Clayton.
This guy is my motivation, and talk about the amazing poetry! wow! what a special human being.
You are amazing John, your heart is still here, I live 10000km from were you lived and I can feel and get connected to you and your family,
My heart is with you blazedad and mom,
You touched in all of us, John,
God Bless You
I was thinking of the Blazeman Foundation over the holidays. My family spent Christmas in Kona! We went all over the island and then looked at the course for the IronMan- all I can say is, "WOW!" As a scientist who knows what ALS does, not as an athlete, I have a whole new appreciation for your son. We will keeping plugging away!
Have a nice week-end.
Carol
Carol Milligan, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy
Thanks Lavaman...your kind words are very comforting to me...
From Dan Dortic...
Bob,
"It has been and will always be my pleasure to help continue the FIGHT. I don't know if you know this but that video is how I learned of Jon and cannot watch it without feeling empowered while at the same time becoming completely emotional. Those feelings is what Jon would have wanted athletes and all people to feel. God Bless the BLAZEMAN for even in death he continues to motivate, teach, and inspire."
FREEDOM!!
Dan
A week tomorrow I'll do my first Ironman. Over the last few months I've watched this video just to keep going, whenever I've felt low, or if the training wasn't going that well.
Whenever I need strength in next week's race, Blazeman will be one of the first people I think of.
Donna Stuedeman "As a survivor of a different neurological disease, I understand the importance of research to try to find a cure. Kudos to you for reaching out and making a difference in many lives!"
Ken Woo I'll never forget it, Blazeman and the BlazeFam. Extremely happy to see all the ice bucket challenges and for ALS to be on people's minds. Bless them all. FREEDOMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!
Jon...you would have been 38 this August 30th...still giving mom and dad strength to carry your mission forward.
We miss you and love you ....
mom
@runiac2 ...Thank you for these kind words and the kindness...
August is a very difficult time, Jon's birthday the 30th and 3yrs ago we celebrated his life on the 31st...your act of kindness is so very much appreciated.
In Freedom (from ALS) and with my appreciation,
blazedad...jon's dad.
Wow this is the first time watching this ,and I truley beleive that i was meant to see it at the same time as Jons Dad was posting something .Jon was so special and even though I only got to spend a little time with him I truley was greatful for meeting him I will never forget him and I admire that both his Mother and Father never gave up his fight .Thank You both ,Joanmarie ( I will be forwarding this to someone that was just told they to have als)
An inspiration that continues on. Thank you Jon for all you did.
Always grateful to hear your voice Bubba!
Amazing story about an amazing person. Thank you for sharing this great video.
thank you John for giving us courage to face uncertainty
Very inspiring and touching, he'll be remembered ...
2013 is arriving...another year without you...Miss you ...Love, Mom
U inspired my daughter to do ironman which she completed, I am so proud of u and it words inspired me to live life to the fullest, Gods peace to u
Jon Blais your story will never be forgotten.
Thanks Kevin,,,
Jon was a young man that showed amazing courage in the face of death...thank you for your comments.
Mary Ann
Jon's mom
I wish you well in your training...thanks
Jon Blais makes me want to be a better man.
You did something right blazemanmom. God bless you and RIP Jon.
Thanks for all your comments and visits to Jon's video...his parents are missing him more than ever...
Thank you all again...we appreciate it more than you know...
Mary Ann
Jon's mom
Thanks for all your wonderful comments...his hope was to inspire one to live each day to the fullest...happy birthday Jon..love you and miss you,
Mom
RIP Jon you are still inspiring so many ..
Blazeman and family - I'm racing my second tri (only an olympic) this weekend. You're one of the reasons I got into this sport. I'll be thinking about you out on the course.
Hi All- I am excited that I will be participating in the The Blazeman Foundation for ALS - February Cycle-A-Thon at Multisports Academy in Hamden, CT...thank you for making this donation towards the War on ALS, my plan is to ride all 4 hours, and your support will keep me going for his amazing cause...thank you, Shannon...
i miss him.. he was one of my teachers at aseltine and he was a great man......miss you bazeman
This guy had true passion; what a legend.
Can't stop watching this...
AMAZING warrior spirit.
Excited to have Brent Bieshaar racing in the XTERRA Eureka Springs as part of his XTERRA Across America odyssey to compete in an XTERRA race every week of the 2013 season. He has taken on this challenge to raise money an awareness for the Blazeman foundation for ALS. Way to go, Brent!
God Bless you Blazeman! You are and always will be an Inspiration!!
Still watching this video 14 years later, being motivated by the blazeman, doing the blazeroll across the line.
Hi Blazemanmom,
I have no words for what you and your family have gone through and still deal with. But I hope it helps you to know that your son's story has helped me deal with MS. This year I am running Ironman Canada, and I will carry his spirit and story with me to the finish line.
Running for my life,
Ray
Thank you, meaningful and kind donations to the Blazeman Foundation...because of your donation, needed research will continue!..."So Others May Live"...G-D bless and thank you all...your friend, "the-blazeman", (alswarriorpoet-spirit), Jon.
I'm sitting here sobbing at my PC. I am doing a half-Ironman in a few weeks, I'll think of Jon when the going get's tough. I can only hope I would be able face Jon's mountain with as much positivity and grace - not sure I could. A classy gent. I'll be looking into doing something for ALS.
Kevin, 39, a Scot (and a braveheart fan)
Lavaman 3682...Thank you for your kindness...most especially for "Remembering the -blazeman...Ironman's-Braveheart"...Mary Ann and so appreciate your words and thought...thank you...bmom and bdad...jon's mom and dad.
This is amazing. I wish I had seen this sooner. What an amazing story.
All my love to Jon's Mom and Dad! I wish you all the best in your life, and may you learn all that he hoped you would learn from your struggles.
What a HERO! He passed away in 2007... Rest in peace.
Needing your voice today...and seeing your face...
Missing you Bubba...Mom
"The Cause"...(if you're willing to do it for a cause, maybe we can do something the world will hear), Jon B's words to Brian Breen concerning (ALS), but for Jon, having a "cause" made all the difference...and it still does!...G-D bless, bdad,,,Jon's dad.
I'm doing my first ironman at lake placid in a few weeks. I have watched this video a few times. I will think of blazeman when the going gets tough.
On May2,2005 Jon's diagnosis of ALS was confirmed. May27,2007 he passes away. I am still in awe of what he accomplished in those 2 years. He completed Ironman 18 months into his disease, started the Blazeman Foundation for ALS and could still laugh for most of that time!
We miss you Jon, today more than ever...
Every once in a while I come back to this to remind how great he was and to get some more fuel in my tank.
Thanks for the kind words...I really appreciate it....
"An Athletes' roll"...Blazeman Warrior...(awareness and a cure), capturing the -blazeman's spirit by "fighting the good fight"...by believing we can do more...and someday we will hear the words never spoken, "I Am An ALS Survivor"...it will be because so many have a "cause" bigger than the self..."that others may live"...G-D bless and thank you all...FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! your friend, "the-blazeman", (alswarriorpoet-spirit)...and the (poets)...their families and friends.
Today marks the 7th anniversary of Jon's diagnosis...tough day..it does not get easier...
Missing our son...
Blazeman is the very definition of character, will power, courage, inspiration, motivation and ...... Ironman.
Thank you...FREEDOM...(from ALS)...you are doing what "warriors" do...(making a difference)...please, believe and remember, from Gladiator, "what we do in life echos in eternity"...your actions are part of the echo in the WarOnALS...you are making the voice of all pALS,(people with ALS) heard..."so others may live."...thank you, for the -blazeman and his mom and dad.
I just found out about his passing. It makes me sad that he went so quickly.
He certainly left his mark. RIP, Blazeman.
Thanks for your continued thoughts and wishes...Bob and I will be back in Kona for the 5th anniversary of Jon's race...
Aloha
bmom
Thanks Joanmarie,,,remember that night well...come on out in May for the RUNFORPALS in Seekonk...it is a run/walk
Love to meet you again!
Mary Ann
jon's mom