Written by: Press Release
Posted: Thursday, 15 May 2008
May is ALS Awareness month and is the one year anniversary of the death of local triathlete,
Jon Blais’s, who in spite of his affliction with ALS, ran a two-year long marathon against the devastating disease, (better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in order to raise awareness and funds that benefit others who have been afflicted - founding the Blazeman Foundation before his death on May 27, 2007, he was 35 years old.
His spirit and mission lives on through both local and national competing triathletes who proudly wear Team Blazeman shirts and log roll across the finish line.
What: A fundraiser is being held to benefit the Blazeman Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life of those living with ALS.
When: On Friday, May 30, 2008 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: The Bamboo Lounge, 1475 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Join us in celebrating Jon’s life and achievements, while raising funds and awareness of ALS. Enjoy live music entertainment featuring local artist, Jed Sheldon, food, raffle prizes and
a silent auction.
Please contact Steven Perunovich at (619)618-9638 or e-mail: pruni9@gmail.com to RSVP
or learn how you can become part of Team Blazeman.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the Blazeman Foundation. For more information or to make an on-line donation visit the website: www.waronals.com. Be sure to watch the video clips.
Background information: ALS causes the motor neurons that control the muscles to slowly degenerate. Life expectancy after diagnosis is 2 to 5 years. There is no known cure at the present time.
Jon Blais: Upon being diagnosed with ALS in May 2005, Jon had two choices – either lie down and die or go out fighting…he decided to go out blazing a trail for the war on ALS, garnering international recognition for his efforts.
As an avid triathlete, a life long dream was to compete in Ironman. NBC Sport made this dream a reality by sponsoring him in the Fall of ‘05. Blais became the first person with ALS to start and finish Ironman Hawaii. He “log rolled” across the finish line, which has since become a symbol to countless triathletes who have become known as, Team Blazeman, committed to keeping the movement alive.
It’s a really cool concept. We pick one day – Sunday, August 31 – and find out how many people around the world can lace up their running shoes and put in a whole bunch of miles. 
