Projo Running Blog

Dr. Deb Marciano taught Jonathan Blais many years ago when she was a professor at Rhode Island College and he was studying to become a special education teacher. But the bond that developed between the two grew to become much deeper.

Of her former student and good friend who lost a 2-year battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease a week ago, Marciano says: "He was one of the most incredible people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."

Now an Associate Professor of Elementary Education at Washington College in Md., Marciano shares some fond memories of Blais and what their friendship has meant to her:

Jon was my student at RIC, and we became friends since his graduation. I have so many poems he wrote, pictures he took, music he sent me... A photo of him hiking the Grand Canyon hangs over my office desk... and I remember the encouragement he gave me when I moved to Penn State to work on my doctorate... He would call from California, out of the blue to tell me about a particularly rewarding day of his teaching, or training, or just to say hello to "Professor Rocky" as he called me in those earlier days. Often, he would call just to encourage me through my dissertation research, believing I could finish and then sending me another inspirational poem a few days later, "as a reminder". When I earned my Ph.D. he posted my cap and gown photo on his web page.

After he was diagnosed with ALS, I asked him why he had kept in touch with me all these years. He replied simply, "Because we're supposed to."

I was emailing with Brian Breen (who did the Ironman for Jon last year) and remarked that even in his illness, Jon set up an incredible network of people who had something in common - Jon... and although we do not know each other, from across the country thousands of people are comforting each other right now, in our painful loss of one beloved, inspirational friend.

I was Jon's professor, yet he taught me more than I know I ever taught him... Life is precious and short, friendships are rare jewels. Jon's love for life will shine on in each of us. "So others may live." Go in peace, my friend.

Deb Marciano & Ray Noll III
Chestertown, MD

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