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| Mike Swyt's War on ALS |
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On Sunday, August 24 I will be competing in the 2008 Accenture Chicago Triathlon. The race consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run. While my goal of finishing the triathlon is ambitious (given my inability to run far or fast without something chasing me), my ultimate goal is to support The Blazeman Foundation for ALS.
Last year, while watching the Hawaii Ironman, I was inspired by a TV segment on Jon "Blazeman" Blais. Jon, a teacher and lifelong triathlete, had a dream to complete an Ironman. In May of 2005, at the age of 33, Jon was given a death sentence in the form of ALS. Despite the news, Jon accepted his diagnosis and decided to do incredible things with it. In October 2005, he became the first and the only person with ALS to finish an Ironman triathlon (2.4 mi swim, 112 mi bike, 26.2 mi run). By 2006, ALS had Jon in a wheelchair and in May of 2007, Jon passed away. While fighting ALS, Jon started the Blazeman Foundation to help find a cure for and ultimately defeat ALS. Since that time, Jon’s family and a team of multi-sport athletes have supported his cause by raising the awareness of and funds for ALS. I am proud to count myself as one of them, a Blazeman Warrior. This video documents Jon’s story. If you do one thing today, please take a moment to watch this short video. I promise you will be inspired.
What is ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive degenerative disease that attacks the motor neurons, or nerve cells, in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons control the movement of voluntary muscles. Death of the motor neurons makes it impossible for the brain to control muscles or signal them to move. As the muscles atrophy, it results in weakness and loss of coordination. ALS is unpreventable, untreatable and incurable. ALS attacks otherwise healthy adults randomly and spontaneously. Once diagnosed, people with ALS have an average life expectancy of 2 – 5 years. Additional information can be found at www.alsa.org.
This disease hits especially close to home for my wife Jaclyn and I. In 1995, Jaclyn’s father Jack was diagnosed with PLS (Primary lateral sclerosis), which is a form ALS. Like ALS, PLS is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness in the voluntary muscles. For Jack and others suffering of PLS, there is currently no effective cure. He has lost much of his ability speak and to walk alone, often requiring a wheelchair or scooter. Jack has been living with PLS for 13 years now, and although limited in mobility enjoys each day in life to the fullest. His spirit and attitude is an inspiration to many.
Your support can help us in finding a cure for ALS. I am asking for donations to help exceed my fundraising goal of $5000. Any amount will help, as will passing along Jon's story. The Blazeman Foundation for ALS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
I appreciate your supporting my efforts in the War on ALS.
Cheers,
Mike |
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Total Donations Collected:$5,974.00
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| Goal: $5,000 |
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| Despite 21 million people dying from ALS since 1869, there remains still no meaningful treatment or cure for this disease. Jon and ALS patients everywhere are basically offered the same treatment options as Lou Gehrig in 1939. Without raising awareness and funding, ALS will not receive the research efforts necessary to find a cure and will continue to strike down every person who is diagnosed with ALS.
"People do not follow titles, they follow courage. If you will just lead them onto the battlefield, they will follow you and so will I, unite us... unite the clans." - Braveheart
Blazeman Foundation for ALS Mission Statement:
1.) Raise awareness about ALS by leveraging the energy and compassion of the multi-sport community and
2.) Raise funds to find a cure for ALS. "so others may live."
"Since 1869, twenty one plus million people have suffered and then died from ALS." There have been no survivors.
"Believe...Pick a stronger word than Hope...Cure" -blazeman.
We strive to hear the words, "I AM A ALS SURVIVOR."
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