I’m very grateful for the wonderful people who came on Saturday, May 2, 2026, to our 20th Fiesta 5k for ALS. The weather was perfect, not a drop of rain that some seemed so concerned about. My heart was full as I took in the new venue, the warmth and fellowship before the race and as runners were finishing and gathered to share experiences. And the kids’ fun run…wow, now that was truly the best!
It started as the Blazeman Warrior 5k; then the ALS Run for Life 5k. When we loved it to the first weekend in May we rebranded it the Fiesta 5k Challenge – challenging runners to run and challenging people to raise money and awareness for ALS.
Over the years, we have had so many teams of ALS families who also created fundraising teams to help us reach higher dollars to give to the Emory ALS Center. I am so appreciative of the teams that were there (see below) for their commitment every year, including this one. But I have to admit my disappointment this year, a milestone 20th one, that we didn’t have more involvement from the families who have come in mass every year. I always like to look out and see the large groups of families in matching shirts, running and walking for their loved one with ALS. After a call out to the Blazeman Warriors for virtual participation, only two of 25 signed up to participate in memory of Jon.
Team YES, Team Pi Kappa Alpha UNG, Team Adam’s Avengers, and Team TOT – THANK YOU for coming!! Team Annie’s Angels – THANK YOU for your virtual participation and the videos and pictures you sent. Fundraisers Running for RG, Hulk Smash, and Annie’s Angels – THANK YOU for actively getting donations to help Emory ALS Center’s research to #stopALS.
As I go through all the photos and videos from Saturday, I do so with deep gratitude and pride. I am very proud that our family has continued to host this 5k every year. We made a promise to Jon Blais that we would love and honor him, even after his death from this disease – and we have kept that promise.
Next year will will do it again, on Saturday, May 1, 2027…that will be twenty years since Jon Blais died from this unforgiveable beast of a disease. I will put my heart and soul into it next year as well, and continue until a cure is found. ✌️
bestillkd.com 