 ALS WARRIOR POET
"Decision Must Be Instant - Commitment Must Be Total." (Click Here for Hope) -blazeman |
| THE BRIAN DUFFY STORY |  |
And Kevin "Special K" Duffy writes:...(Click For Kevin's "The Dream") | |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” is a disease of the motor neurons, muscle-controlling nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. The degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death and patients may become totally paralyzed. There is no known cure.
We are looking for sponsors to support us in our racing and all the money that is collected will go to ALS—finding a cure and improving the quality of life for patients affected with the disease. Please join us in making a difference in the lives of others by supporting this important cause.
Thank you for your support,
Brian and Kevin Duffy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please make checks payable to Team Blazeman ALS Foundation and mail to:
The Duffy Brothers---ALS sponsorship
42 Lakecrest Circle
Suwanee, GA 30024
_____$5.00 _____$10.00 _____$20.00 _____other
**In honor of_______________________________________
**In memory of_____________________________________
For more information visit www.alswarriorpoet.com and www.alsblazeman.com
I wanted you to see what inspired Brian to begin his fundraising for ALS. Click on the link below to view the Blazeman's story. (it's only six minutes) From this we learned of Shannon's mom and it grew from there, and thus the Blazeman Warrior 5K was born. This video is from Oct. 2005---In Oct. 2006 Jon returned to Kona, confined to a wheelchair. ALS progresses very quickly. We are grateful for your support and hope to see you all on April 14.
With thanks,
The Duffys
TEAM DUFFY AT PEACHTREE CITY YOUTH TRI
TEAM DUFFY AT TRI-THE-PARKS
Brian & Kevin Time Trial In the Frigid Georgia Morning
Brian and Kevin Visit With ALS Warrior Poet Frank Campbell
We all thought about you this morning and tried to bring pride to the BLAZEMAN name! Lots of fun... 600 participants.
Hope you are having good days and know you are looking forward to Kona. Godspeed...
Luv,
Karen
The Duffys Bring The War On Als To Atlanta, GA Brian, Kevin, Karen & Mike are walking in the Walk to d'Feet ALS in Atlanta.
These photos are from September 30th. Brian, Kevin, and I proudly walked in the Walk to d'Feet ALS at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. There were over 120 teams and hundreds more individuals walking the three miles through downtown and over $497,000 was raised! Blazeman Jr. announced our TEAM BLAZEMAN and let the multitude know that we were walking for "Jon Blais and ALS Warrior Poets everywhere”. It was an amazing experience and we were honored to be there and so proud to share our passion with patients and families affected with ALS. Special K and Blazeman Jr. took turns carrying our sign... which is now part of our home decor!
The other attachment is a letter I wrote to the editor of the Atlanta Journal Constitution today. It just pissed me off that there was NOTHING! It's the first time I’ve written to the paper...
Blessings...
Karen
Of course Kevin, never to be outdone wore two hats as you can see in the picture and paid $1.00. No wonder Blazeman's Dad calls him "Special K"
We all had a blast at the waterpark after the race was finished, even though us wimpy Georgians were cold! We drove 14 1/2 hours yesterday to make it home so Brian and Kevin wouldn't miss another day of school. Luckily, they were awesome in the car and had not major battles.
Take care,
Here are some photos from yesterday. First is Brian exiting T1; second is Kevin entering T1; third are the two "Blaze boys" after we got home.
Brian was 3rd in his age group for the senior boys long course.
Kevin was 3rd overall for the junior boys short course!
Both boys did great and we are very proud. The race was sold out at 350 participants and, as always, very well run and one of our family's favorite venues.
On top of racing in the morning (VERY early for our family as we left our house at 5am) Brian and Kevin each had a football game. In fact, Kevin literally ran through the finish shoot, got a hug from mom and a picture with his brother, and then he and Mike ran to the car for the two hour drive back to the football field!
Kevin's race number yesterday was #177....only two off from #179--Jon's Kona number. Kevin said that he thought about that all day.
Everyone slept well last night. Our Blazeman warriors are still on the warpath of ALS....racing for a cure!
Take care,
Temperature perfect, course beautiful and fast and a field of over 900 competitors. This is the biggest race Brian has done. He placed 3rd in his age group and proudly wore his Blazeman shirt while accepting his awards.
He had a good swim in the shallow lake, an awesome bike, and OK run, and best of all had tons of fun!
It brought tears to my eyes as I watched him in the last hundred yards of the run--he slowed down, looked around to make sure he didn't impede on other racers, let a woman pass him so he could be alone, and then stopped and ROLLED OVER THE FINISH LINE for Jon and ALS Warriorpoets everywhere.
Brian had a crash coming out of T1 onto the bike course. Unfortunately it took him off the podium but not out of the race. He had to sit for about a minute but then got back on the bike---had a good bike, good run, some good road rash and a nice bloody knee. But also had the heart of champion and wore his Blazeman shirt with pride. Results aren't posted yet, but I think he still came in 4th in his age group despite the crash. When he crossed the finish the announcer told everyone about Brian's past races and let everyone know that he was racing for ALS-TDF....also told the crowd about the disease and Brian's efforts to help find a cure.
Our other Blazeman Warrior, Kevin finished 3rd in his age group....not bad for his second triathlon! He is following in his brother's footsteps.
It's great to see a young guy join us in the fight to end ALS. Safe, FAST racing to you.
Bob Mitera Team Polar
It was nice talking to you, even if it was short. We did good in our swim meet yesturday. We won by 200 points, and in swimming that's a lot. I got some more money today and the money put me past my goal of $1,000 dollars. I hope my Dad gets to have dinner with you next week.
Talk to you later,
Blazeman Jr.
Did you hear the Blazeman Jr. chants from Georgia last night? Every time
Brian got on the blocks for a race we were chanting Blazeman Jr. -- Blazeman
Jr. -- he wears that nickname like a badge of honor. You have inspired him,
just as you have inspired millions of other people! Your courage & strength
is very contagious. I have to admit, my family and I did not think a lot of ALS
and knew very little about the disease, but that as ALL CHANGED due to you.
After speaking with your Dad on Father's Day, (don't know if you know this or
not but unfortunately I had to travel on Father's Day and when I got to my hotel
Karen called to tell me that your Dad called and left a message for me to wish
me a Happy Father's Day -- how cool is that !!!) in that short conversation I
learned that to little has been done to learn more about ALS. I could not
believe that NO progress has been made in 70 years - well I know that with the
"FLOODLIGHT" you are shinning on ALS -- that will change -- and the Duffy's
will do whatever we can to help !!!
Blazeman Jr.'s Dad
It was great talking to you this afternoon and I apologize for ending our conversation so abruptly. I knew Brian would want to say Hi and I thought the swim meet was about to begin. Of course, I am in charge of all the volunteers so had to check on everyone.
Hey... Mike, my husband, is flying to Phoenix early next week. He'd love to drive down and have dinner or even just a visit with you. I think it is Tuesdayand Wednesday of next week... maybe even your parents would be in town for the wedding. Let me know if it would work out and what next week is going to be like for you.
My two friends in the neighborhood were at the swim meet. Both of their Moms have ALS and I was able to introduce them to each other. They figured out that their Moms are about six months apart in the progression of the disease. Of course we talked about you and how honored we are to help in the fight and raising money... were your ears burning from us talking about you?
Stay in touch,
Karen
I hope you don't mind me honoring you on the ALS Warrior Poet Website. I know this song well. Back when I was your age, they had a commerical on T.V. for one of the very first Timex Ironman Triathlon watches and they were playing your song my fellow Warrior... leave no one behind. Black Hawk Down,
-blazeman
Cliff,
Blazeman's Dad
I have read about you and heard about you over this past year through the world of sports. My husband and I both have participated in triathlons and are wow'd by your strength, will and love of life. Congratulations on Ironman. Kona, of all things! How amazing! I bet you are still feeding off that energy?!
My neighbor is Brian Duffy and I know that you and your family have been in contact with his family as he is raising money for ALS in your name. He is a strong young man in his sport, but more so in his heart. His desire to raise money for ALS hits close to my heart as my mom was diagnosed in 2004 with this disease. When he told me that he was going to raise money for ALS this summer, I couldn't have been more proud of a kid that isn't even mine.
I went to your site the other day and I have to say, felt inspired and sad all at the same time. Maybe it is because my family is going through all of this same stuff right now and my mom is being over taken by this disease as we speak? Maybe it was to see people loving multi-sport out there trying to make a difference and doing it for ALS? It was a combination of feelings that I still am not sure I can explain.
What I really wanted to tell you is that I am so proud of what you have done and continue to do. You give everyone in the world a sports and beyond that extra boost of energy and adrenaline to take the next hill, push the next wave, go the extra mile. Wow. Pretty powerful stuff...
I hope this e-mail finds you well and we will continue to pray for you as one our PALS!
My mom uses this as her mantra and I know she would want me to share it with you. "Strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow"...
Kind regards,
Shannon Le Mintier
Sounds like last weekend was incredible! Wish we could have been there to lend our support. Hang in there Jon. I feel your frustration and agree that the public needs to know that ALS isn't a small thing affecting only a few people. We are loud and not afraid to spread the word.
Brian's got a site set up under the Team TDF group. His site is "Tri for ALS" He's in Colorado at the USAT camp and having a blast. I, on the other hand, am going crazy with my boy half way across the country. I Talked to your Dad about this and he said you went to Hawaii when you were 17... obviously you made it back home Okay.
Brian's going to roll across the finish line this season... of course I'll get it on film!
Stay strong and keep fighting...
Karen
My name is Brian Duffy and I am raising money for ALS this year. I have raised over $300.00 dollars so far and I will continue to raise money untill October. In every race I do I will set up a table for people to sponsor. I will also mention that they should make out the check to ALS-TDF. I got for Christmas the 2005 Ironman on DVD and it had a big portion of the video about you. I was inspired by your story that I felt I should raise money to you and other victims of ALS. I have been doing Triathlons for 5 years and this year, I am dedicating my racing season to ALS.
Yours Truly,
Brian Duffy... Age 12
My two sons have watched the DVD of the 2005 Hawaii Ironman about twenty times. Our family feels the pride and spirit in you and your parents each time we watch you roll across the finish. I wanted to let you know about something my son, Brian is doing. I've copied a letter/flyer below for you to read. He explains in his letter his history with triathlon... a little. Brian did his first youth triathlon when he was seven years old and has been hooked ever since. He has a passion for the sport, a dream in his heart, and a giving and loving character that makes me so proud to be his Mom. Since learning about you and your fight with ALS we have become closer to the disease. We have two neighbors whose parents are fighting the war. This fundraising that Brian is doing was totally his idea and donations have begun to arrive and we have found that we know several others who are fighting ALS, too. We join you in the battle and will not g ive up. Your spirit is contagious and your strength amazing. You and the other Warriors out there are in our prayers...
With warm regards,
Karen Duffy
Hope for ALS
Dear Family, Friends, and Neighbors,
My name is Brian Duffy and I am twelve years old. I have been competing in the sport of triathlon for five years. I’ve grown to love this sport and am always happy to be in such a positive environment of competition. I’ve had the opportunity to do races that raise money and grow awareness for different kinds of diseases and those are my favorite events because the hard work of the racers directly helps people.
This summer I have decided to dedicate my racing to a worthy cause- -Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS, also known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” is a disease of the motor neurons, muscle-controlling nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement. The degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death and patients may become totally paralyzed. There is no known cure.
I am looking for sponsors to support me in my racing this year and all the money that is collected will go to ALS—finding a cure and improving the quality of life for patients affected with the disease. I have listed the event dates and descriptions below. Pledges and money can be turned in at any time during the season. Please join me in making a difference in the lives of others by supporting this important cause.
Thank you for your support,
GEORGIA
GEORGIA
Team Duffy Joins Forces With The ALS Association Of Georgia
Well, all the Duffys made it to the finish of the tri this morning. Special K got to roll across the finish line! Brian had his best time for a sprint distance this year; Mike did great after a tough swim... so proud of him in his first triathlon! I biked hard and passed a lot... and got passed, too, and Kevin had a great run for our TEAM BLAZEMAN team. He looked so cute when he came around the corner toward the finish line... so small.
Mike Duffy
Team Blazeman
Scott Langley, Karen & "Special K"
Karen Duffy
Kevin "Special K" Duffy Brian "Blazeman, Jr." Duffy
Of course the team name is "TEAM BLAZEMAN."
Karen
Karen
"Triathletes Who Care"
The Blazeman's Web Master
Blazeman Sr.
Brian Duffy
Emerald Coast Sprint Triathlon, Panama City Beach, FL
Peachtree City Youth Triathlon, Peachtree City, GA
IronKids Youth Triathlon, Alpharetta, GA
USA Triathlon Sprint National Championship,
Guntersville, AL
Tri to Cure, Greenville, SC
USA Triathlon National Championship, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Emerald Point Triathlon, Lake Lanier Islands, GA
Letter To The Atlanta Journal Constitution
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