“I first saw your incredible story while watching the 2005 Ironman. As an avid baseball
history fan I consider Lou Gehrig one of the greatest because he was likely the first to
give ALS a voice. Your voice has been much louder and stronger thank goodness. The words
THANK YOU are not enough to express how you have opened eyes and minds about ALS and
hopefully soon there will be a cure.”
Mary Ann Pults
OC Blazeman Team 179
WHAT A WEEKEND! OC BLAZEMAN TEAM 179 tied for first place in the
team division at the Huntington Beach Pier swim. We are glad Bob had the
chance to be there and regret that all of the Ryan family could not be in
two places at once representing The Blazeman Foundation. John Ryan, Dana
Ryan, Kyle Ryan, Christopher Krajacic, Daniel Kwong, Rebecca Kwong, and Joe
Cusimano represented our team in Warrior Tri suits. If you have not already
seen the photos, they are on tri cal’s website for Escape From Alcatraz. On
Saturday morning, John, Dana, Kyle and Chritopher made our way to the sand
ladder where I read the Battle Cry and John’s words on the back of his Kona
Bib number. It was a struggle to get the words out without breaking out in
tears, but I managed to; just as the same emotion is
welling up in my heart
at this moment. We spread his ashes on the first step and made our way to
the top of the ladder and did the same. I left a Blazeman Warrior sticker on
the base of the top step and also on a sign post for all the athletes to see
as they eclipsed the sand ladder. On Sunday morning, Dana and I spread the
remaining ashes off the back of the boat at Alcatraz. I drew inspiration
from Jon all during the race, as did the entire team. Christopher had a bike
crash at mile three on a decent and thankfully, escaped without serious
injury. He was able to finish the bike and after a lengthy transition,
decided to continue and complete the run. He had a few raspberries on his
back and rear; his uniform was unscathed. He said the Blazeman Shield
protected him. I know it was more than that, and am thankful he is all in
one piece.
We met other Blazeman Warriors and were able garner interest
in the FIGHT against ALS.
In Strength and Honor,
John,
Dana, Kyle, Christopher, Daniel, Rebecca, Joe
Blazeman Rolls!
Team Blazeman Warriors in action
- Matt Reed at Alcatraz – Windows Media Video file
- Mitch West at Alcatraz – Windows Media Video file
- Lee Mambuca at Alcatraz – Windows Media Video file
- Phil Gormley, who wore Bib #179 for Jon. – Windows Media Video file
Eagleman 2007 – Cancer Warrior Holly Gannoe Rolls for Blazeman
“Brian and Kevin –
It was truly a pleasure getting to meet you on Sunday at Eagleman. While I have been very fortunate
to have not experienced the devastation of ALS in my family, as I told Brian, I was moved when I saw
John’s story in the NBC coverage of Ironman Hawaii 2005 and then his race the following year in 2006.”
More…