Steve Gleason’s name resonates far beyond the football field. While celebrated for his impactful career with the New Orleans Saints, Gleason’s legacy is profoundly shaped by his courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His Steve Gleason Diagnosis in 2011 marked not an end, but a powerful new beginning, transforming him into a global advocate for ALS awareness, research, and patient support.
Gleason’s diagnosis ignited a firestorm of advocacy. Refusing to be defined by ALS, he and his wife, Michel Varisco, founded Team Gleason, a foundation dedicated to raising public awareness of ALS, funding research for treatments and a cure, and providing individuals with ALS and their families with essential technology and resources to improve their quality of life. His personal battle became a platform to champion the needs of the ALS community, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of immense adversity.
His unwavering spirit and tireless advocacy have garnered widespread recognition. Gleason was awarded the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal in 2020, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This prestigious award acknowledged not only his athletic achievements but, more significantly, his monumental contributions to ALS advocacy and his inspiring courage. During the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in Statuary Hall, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi aptly described the setting as “this pantheon of patriots,” underscoring Gleason’s place among great American heroes. Gleason humbly responded to the honor, dedicating it to “all the families who have been diagnosed with ALS, as well as anyone struggling to overcome life’s inevitable adversities.” He stands as the first professional football player to receive this accolade, joining the ranks of other athletic legends like Jackie Robinson and Jesse Owens.
Further accolades include being named a “Hero of the Year” by Sports Illustrated and receiving the George Halas Award from the Pro Football Writers of America. In 2024, he received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, a testament to his bravery and relentless efforts to advance ALS research and support those living with the disease. These honors highlight the profound impact of Gleason’s work, stemming directly from his steve gleason diagnosis and his decision to confront ALS head-on with purpose and passion.
Gleason’s story is also captured in his memoir, “A Life Impossible: Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence,” co-authored with Jeff Duncan. Released in 2024, the book offers a deeply personal and moving account of his journey with ALS, exploring themes of love, resilience, and the search for meaning amidst life-altering challenges. As Gleason himself stated, writing the book was “an exercise in vulnerability and imperfection, with the intention of offering kinship with those navigating the foggy unknown.”
Despite the progressive challenges of ALS, Gleason remains a powerful communicator, utilizing technology and innovative methods to connect with the world. He uses a communication device and a letter board, or “eye gaze board,” to express himself, demonstrating adaptability and unwavering engagement. His affectionate gesture, “Fo to Fo,” exemplifies his continued desire for connection and love, even as ALS progresses.
Steve Gleason’s life after his steve gleason diagnosis is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. His legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements to encompass his profound impact as an advocate, inspiration, and father. Alongside his wife Michel, he cherishes his roles as a father to Rivers and Gray, finding his greatest personal triumphs in his family. Through Team Gleason and his personal example, Steve Gleason continues to inspire countless individuals to face adversity with courage, determination, and unwavering hope.
