Eugene Blakely

It’s not too often when I run across someone who really motivates me to push myself harder at what I do. I feel I am a pretty dedicated and determined person and I work hard to be in the condition I’m in. It was when I met Eugene Blakely that I realized that I could use a serious attitude adjustment and that we could all learn a little something from my friend from Canton, Ohio.

Eugene isn’t your average bodybuilder; actually he is above average in my humble opinion. When I go home to visit my family I always make it a priority to train with Eugene. The first reason is because he is a great guy and secondly, he trains harder than anyone I have ever lifted with. Why is this such a big deal you ask, well Eugene was born with a condition called Reyes Syndrome. Reye's syndrome (pronounced rye); a disorder that affects all organs of the body, but most lethally affects the liver and brain. The cause isn’t really known, but many cases have been linked to the use of aspirin, as an infant, during or following viral illness, such as chicken pox and flu.

Children who survive are often left with neurological abnormalities and mental retardation. Some symptoms are irritability, aggressive behavior, delirium, disorientation, slurred speech, convulsions, may not recognize parents and a few other things many of us don’t have to deal with. The condition is rather rare as approximately one per one million individuals are affected. There is no cure; treatment requires intensive hospital care focusing on reducing swelling of the brain.