Jenny Hansen knows what it is to give full effort in pursuit of a goal. At the 'ripe old age' of 21 she is an academic standout in her junior year at Johns Hopkins University (majoring in Public Health and Psychology, with an eye toward med school); she has already completed three full Ironman events (the first coming less than a month after turning 18 - the minimum age to enter an Ironman); and has been such a huge supporter of the Blazeman Foundation that she was chosen to represent BMF atthe2015 Boston Marathon.

Growing up in northern California, Jenny discovered her love of triathlon at age 8- competing in Ironkids events for several years, working her way up to the "big kid"Ironman events. However, it was her love of basketball that put her on the path to the Blazeman Foundation. While still playing in the youth leagues prior to high school, she found a mentor and 'second mom' in her coach, Nancy Lux-Polisso.When Jenny ended up attending the same high school as Nancy's children, the bond grew even stronger.

Je nny will never forget the phone call, nearly six years ago, informing her that Coach Nancy had been diagnosed with ALS. Since Jenny was only 15 at the time, she had to do some digging to understand exactly what that diagnoses meant. Her research led her to Jon Blais' Ironman story - and then she knew what she had to do. In short order, B-? - dad and B-? - mom noticed the fundraising page for a very young Blazeman Warrior - and they really noticed when this Blazekid started bringing in the donations! Jenny had pledged to herself that she would raise $40K before graduating from high school.

Along the way to reaching that goal, there were some very special moments for both Jenny's family and the Polisso family. In 2010, Jenny was training for a70.3when Coach Nancy's son, Michael, said he wanted to compete too. Though Michael was a fit 17 year old, he was not a triathlete, and a 70.3 is no joke. Michael finished that race, as Jenny says, "by sheer force of will", which she acknowledges is a Polisso family trait and just one example of the work ethic that Coach Nancy taught and lived, both on and off the court. Especially meaningful that day was when Nancy- already wheelchair bound from ALS-? stood up from her chair to cheer as Jenny and Michael rolled across the finish line.

In

Jenny and her mom rolling at IMAZ

November 2011, having just turned 18, Jenny completed her first 140.6 at Ironman Arizona. Her mom, Rae Lee, was competing that day as well, and as it turned out, Rae Lee found a burst of energy to catch up to Jenny just before the finish. Together they rolled across the finish line, with official finishes just one second apart. (Yes Jon, they got it on film!) Three days later, Jenny reached her fundraising goal of $40K.

Never one to slow down, despite the demands on her time from school, Jenny got back into the groove of her triathlon training to compete in IM Louisville in August of 2014. As she prepared for the race and re-? - v amped her fundraising page, she was in perfect position to ride the wave of the ice bucket challenge. Building on the $40K already raised, her new goal is to raise $100K.

IM Louisville went well, so then - because why not? - Jenny decided to do Ironman Maryland less than a month later. Some might think that sounds crazy, but she set a PR in Maryland - so it worked out OK.

 

Though Jenny has only run one "running only" race - a half marathon - she felt so honored when B-?Mom asked her to run the Boston Marathon. As Jenny said, "I could never say no to the opportunity to represent the Blazeman Foundation- especially on such a large stage." As for actually running the marathon, she has likened her running ability to a 'turtle running through peanut butter'- but she'll be surprised how much energy she has when she doesn't have to start with 114 miles of swimming and biking. All joking aside, Heartbreak Hill doesn't stand a chance of conquering Jenny's positive attitude - which is one more trait she attributes to the example of Coach Nancy, who is still fighting the good fight, nearly six years after her diagnoses.

What better way to help create ALS awareness by sharing Jon's story putting a face on ALS by doing an Ironman with #179. Someday there will be an athlete that will finish an Ironman and say, "I am an ALS survivor". I can't think of more beautiful words...

Here's the release from the WTC:

World Triathlon Corporation Pays Tribute to Athlete Jon Blais

June 21, 2007 (Tarpon Springs, FL)  

Today, World Triathlon Corporation announces a new initiative where all domestic Ironman, Ironman 70.3 and Iron Girl events will reserve race number 179 for athletes racing for a charitable cause. The race number was made famous by athlete Jon Blais, who made Ironman history in 2005 by becoming the first athlete with ALS to complete the world's toughest endurance event, the Ford Ironman World Championship, in Kailua-Kona, HI.  

"The event always has been and always will be so important to me. When I am sitting in a wheelchair down the road, I will look back and know that I fought the great fight," said Blais.  

In a short time, Blais became an invaluable member of the Ironman family, opening eyes and hearts to the seriousness of ALS. *After his participation in 2005, he returned to the 2006 event in a wheelchair to cheer on a fellow triathlete who was racing on behalf of the ALS cause. Although Blais passed away on May 27, 2007, his memory and the contributions he made to the sport will last forever.  

Prior to being diagnosed with ALS, Blais was an avid triathlete and shared his passion for triathlon with activities such as mountain climbing and hiking. Blais applied his love for the outdoors to his profession, teaching students with special needs. Two years after his diagnosis in May of 2005, Blais founded the Blazeman Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of and fundraising for those battling ALS. The foundation continues to grow and has expanded this year to include Team Blazeman, a group of athletes called "Blazeman Warriors" who have committed to raising awareness and funding a search for a cure for ALS... so others may live.  

"Jon inspired Ironman staff, athletes and spectators on many different levels. From his outlook on life and the wisdom he exuded while battling ALS to his passion for Ironman, the impact Jon made will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Indeed, he fought the great fight, and we will miss him," said Ben Fertic, president of Ironman.  

Athletes interested in racing with number 179 should contact the respective race director of the event in which they wish to participate.  

Thanks, 

-blazeman  

(*One correction to the press release...the reason Jon returned to Kona in 2006 was to show the multisport world what a year does to an ALS patient...we know he succeeded in doing that.)                          

We are pleased to welcome the following newest warrior to our family. Thank you, and everyone else, for all you do to help our mission.

A big welcome to you and we hope to see you at a race this year...please visit our ning  website and start communicating with other warriors and supporters. 

On June 14^th, TRIMOM PRODUCTIONS owned and run by Kathy Robbins will be putting on the 1^st annual Blazeman Run at Aldrich!

We are so pleased to have a local road race back again where Jon grew up and ran many local races. There will be a 5k, 10k and kids run. A huge thank you to Al Lamothe and Joe Goddard for getting the race plans started. The Blais and Murphy families look forward to being there with you all!

Registration is open!