From Ironmanlive: Ironman Loses Its Warrior Poet
Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in May, 2005, Jonathan Blais did the unthinkable when he finished the Ford Ironman World Championship later that year.
He finished in Kona despite an arm and hand that were barely working. His “log roll” finish has become an inspiration for hundreds of Blazeman Warriors, who do the same at many races to help raise awareness, and money, about the terrible disease.
Until his arms gave out last year, Blais would spend up to 18-hours a day answering e-mails from ALS patients around the world. Even without the use of much of his body over the last few months, his spirit has fueled the “War on ALS.”
Blais passed away at approximately 8:30 PM on Sunday, May 27, 2007. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Mary Ann and Bob Blais and the rest of his family through this difficult time.
“He was a great son, brother, uncle and friend,” says Mary Ann. “We shall miss him more than you know. He lost this battle in hopes others may win the war.”
We’ll have more details here on Ironman.com as they become available.
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