TEAM BLAZEMAN NEWS - November, 2007 In this Issue Warrior of the Month News from the Battlefields Voice of a Blazeman Warrior Recent News Member Discounts and Gear! Blazeman warriors, Welcome to The War on ALS Fall newsletter! Simply said, as a group, we are dedicated to using our talents to raise awareness and further the understanding-and someday, cure-for ALS. I am proud of our foundation's momentum this past year. Our athletes are dedicated. We've seen our movement grow from one man's determination and perseverance into hundreds of us on the battlefields every month who answered his call to wage war on ALS "so others may live." In addition to the newest friends we met at Clearwater, we also have a dynamic Board of Directors that I'm proud to introduce you to below. It is an honor for me to work and walk among them. Thanks for taking a minute to read our news from the battlefields. Please keep those emails, photos and race updates coming! I look forward to sharing your stories again next month! Karen Duffy Blazeman Foundation for ALS Warrior of the Month Ryan Van Praet-Canadian WarriorPoet Each Team Blazeman newsletter will feature a Blazeman Warrior of the month. This issue's warrior is Ryan Van Praet. Ryan is affectionately known by the Blazeman Foundation for ALS as the "Canadian WarriorPoet." Ryan is 27 years old and lives in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. He's legally blind and a four time Ironman finisher, most recently at IM Lake Placid where he wore bib #179 and was awarded the Ford Everyday Hero honor. Earlier this year Ryan hosted a Spin-A-Thon for ALS and raised $10,000. Ryan knows ALS in a very personal way. His father, Adelard was diagnosed with ALS the same year that the Blazeman log rolled over the finish line in Kona. After seeing Brian Breen race for Jon in 2006 Ryan had this to share with Kevin Mackinnon from Ironmanlive, "Jon's story and Brian's story, and Team Blazeman in general, gave me a new focus. To honor my dad, to show the world that he is a true Ironman because of the kind of determined person he is in life. To show the world that he gave me what I have, he treated me like any other boy, let me fall, and pick myself up, try things most thought he shouldn't let me try because I could hurt myself, or get embarrassed or embarrass him - I am now going to race as a member of team Blazeman if I can, to raise awareness for ALS. The perspective I have gained says that: "Yes I may go blind, but I will still be able to move, swim, bike, run, live! ALS doesn't give you that chance, so now I know where my priorities lie. I race for my dad, because if it weren't for him, I'd most likely always be one step behind and on the outside looking in. He gave me inclusion, he gave me courage, he gave me pride, now it's my turn to try and give back."     At the service to celebrate the life of Jon Blais Ryan spoke about what having a family member with ALS is like. He also shared how Team Blazeman unifies those who race for a cause larger than themselves, and how Blazeman Warriors are committed to finish what the Blazeman started. Adelard Van Praet lost his battle with ALS on October 15, surrounded by his loving family. Ryan is resolved to fight even harder in the War on ALS and is already training for the next Ironman battlefield. Watch the video! To watch the video from the Ironman Lake Placid Everyday Hero click here here and scroll to July 27, 2007.   YOUR News from the Battlefields Our army of Blazeman Warriors is gaining strength every day. With strength in numbers comes greater awareness about ALS, increased money raised for research for better treatment options, and eventually and end to the disease. Click HERE (PROOFING NOTE: KEVIN: I WANT THIS TO LINK TO A PAGE ON WARLONALS.COM WITH A COMPLETE LIST OF THE WARRIORS. CAN WE DO THAT?) for a look at where you warriors have battled since the last newsletter. Voice of a Blazeman Warrior "...anyone who knows me and my hip problems, knows I'm not a strong runner and I usually walk a lot.  I didn't walk at all yesterday until after the 1-mile mark and I ran more of that course, probably 90%, than I've ever run before.  And it felt good!  I could feel Jon and Glenn's dad with me.  The last time I was walking I heard a voice behind me say, 'Get going Blazeman!'  I know it was another IronGirl, but to me that was Jon pushing me on...and I ran the whole rest of the way to the finish line." -Doreen DiMeglio at Irongirl Columbia Recent news from the Battlefield Ironman Florida Jack Keenan had the honor of wearing #179 this weekend in Panama City. Jack, we're sure you felt the strength of the bib number carrying you throughout the day. Joining Jack at IM Florida were Blazeman Warriors Brad Culp, Kent Gladish, Jimmy Jones, Megan Knepper, David Knight and his Coonbottom Tri Club, and Marc Vallin. Look for their photos and race recaps next month. New York City Marathon Blazeman Warrior Jennifer Tebbetts hit the streets of NYC for Team Blazeman. Ironman 70.3 World Championship, Clearwater Amy Kloner, who recently claimed both the Short Course AND Long Course Duathlon National Titles, takes on Clearwater. Richmond Marathon Kimberly Magee will be running the downtown streets of Richmond at the same time athletes will hear the gun go off in Clearwater. **Team Blazeman tries to recognize all Blazeman Warriors and their events. We hope to have a race calendar posting on the website soon. In the meantime please email your event information to kduffy@waronals.com Photo Gallery Just a few photos submitted by our warriors from recent events. Keep 'em coming! (L) K'lo-Kevin Long and Leah Roberts at Westchester, (Center)  Timberkid Ali Simmons at Timberkids Tri, (R)  Mike Duffy at South Carolina Half IM. Member Discounts and Gear! Team Blazeman members can get significant deals and discounts from some of the best brands in the business. Thinking of buying something new? Contact Kevin Long at klong@waronals.com for your Blazeman discount code. And while you're chatting with Kevin, let him know if you're interested in WaronALS branded winter gear! Proceeds go to support the WaronALS Foundation.