Jon "Blazeman" Blais (August 30, 1971 - May 27, 2007) the warrior who 2 1/2 years ago became the first person with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) to complete an Ironman has lost his battle with the disease. Jon had been competing in triathlons for a long time. His dream was to compete in an Ironman, especially in Hawaii. In May of 2005, Jon was diagnosed with ALS and decided to do incredible things with it instead of letting it get the best of him. Five months after being diagnosed with the disease one of his dreams came true, he competed and completed Ironman Hawaii. Since being diagnosed he has been waging a War on ALS, fighting for research and raising awareness.

He's the one that probably made you shed a tear or two when he crossed the finish line in Kona by rolling over it in 2005. If not then well than maybe this past spring when they broadcast the TV coverage of the 2006 race. During his interview he stated something like this "last year I was here competing, this year I'm here watching and next year I probably won't be here at all". He was there watching and cheering on Brian Breen who was there racing for him and Team Blazeman. When Brian crossed the finish he used the signature log-roll finish Jon had done the year before when he finished. The TV coverage showed Jon, he was ecstatic and very happy to see Brain, the crying that happened afterward was very profound. I along with the other triathletes watching the coverage shed tears of happiness and sadness.