Former New Orleans Saints star defensive back, Steve Gleason, was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. Soon after he learned that his wife Michel was pregnant with their first child.
The award-winning documentary, Gleason, chronicles Steve's debilitating disease; the birth of his son, Rivers; the launch and work of the Team Gleason non-profit and all the life in-between.
The Gleason film - which includes Pearl Jam footage and music, plus a new song written and performed by Mike McCready - is "...riveting on EVERY level as a father, friend, husband, teammate," says McCready.
You can support Steve Gleason by going to see his film in select theaters when it opens on July 29.
GLEASON Premieres July 29 In Select Theaters July 21 2016
Former New Orleans Saints star defensive back Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. Soon after he learned that his wife Michel was pregnant with their first child.
The award-winning documentary, Gleason, chronicles Steve’s debilitating disease; the birth of his son, Rivers; the launch and work of the Team Gleason non-profit and all the life in-between.
The Gleason film – which includes Pearl Jam footage and music, plus a new song written + performed by Mike McCready – is “…riveting on EVERY level as a father, friend, husband, teammate,” says McCready.
You can support Steve Gleason by going to see his film in select theaters when it opens on July 29.
New York - Lincoln Square + Landmark Sunshine New Orleans - Canal Place + AMC Elmwood San Francisco - Emarcadero Seattle - Guild 45 + Lincoln Square Bellevue Los Angeles - Arclight Hollywood + The Landmark
I never post on the forums, but this film warrants some serious recognition. Saw this in NYC last night. The documentary sheds light on so many things; Love, happiness, struggle, and determination. This is an absolutely powerful, amazing, film. I recommend everyone check it out if it is playing in your city, and more importantly stop by http://www.teamgleason.org/ to learn how you can help fight this awful disease.
I never post on the forums, but this film warrants some serious recognition. Saw this in NYC last night. The documentary sheds light on so many things; Love, happiness, struggle, and determination. This is an absolutely powerful, amazing, film. I recommend everyone check it out if it is playing in your city, and more importantly stop by http://www.teamgleason.org/ to learn how you can help fight this awful disease.
Yes!! Saw this tonight in NYC. Incredible, beautiful, real. Must be seen. So surprised and thrilled when Michel Varisco (Steve's incredible wife) and the film maker did an unannounced Q and A after the movie. So nice to hang out with @samjam too!
5/3/92 Omaha, NE
6/19/95 Red Rocks
9/11/98 MSG
11/19/12 EV solo Tulsa
7/19/13 Wrigley 10/19/13 Brooklyn 2 10/21/13 Philly 1 10/22/13 Philly 2 10/25/13 Hartford
10/08/14 Tulsa 10/09/14 Lincoln
9/26/15 NYC Global Citizen
4/16/16 Greenville 4/28/16 Philly 1 4/29/16 Philly 2 5/1/16 MSG 1 5/2/16 MSG 2 8/7/16 Fenway 2 8/20/16 Wrigley 1 4/7/17 RRHOF New York City 9/2/18 Fenway 1 9/4/2018 Fenway 2 9/18/21 Asbury Park 2/4/22 EV Earthlings NYC 2/6/22 EV Earthlings Newark 9/11/22 MSG 9/14/22 Camden 9/3/24 MSG 1 9/4/24 MSG 2 9/7/24 Philly 1 9/9/24 Philly 2
I never post on the forums, but this film warrants some serious recognition. Saw this in NYC last night. The documentary sheds light on so many things; Love, happiness, struggle, and determination. This is an absolutely powerful, amazing, film. I recommend everyone check it out if it is playing in your city, and more importantly stop by http://www.teamgleason.org/ to learn how you can help fight this awful disease.
Yes!! Saw this tonight in NYC. Incredible, beautiful, real. Must be seen. So surprised and thrilled when Michel Varisco (Steve's incredible wife) and the film maker did an unannounced Q and A after the movie. So nice to hang out with @samjam too!
Yes, a real treat to see the movie and to hang out with shetellsherself!
I can't say enough good things about the movie. Profound, powerful, raw, hilarious, tear-jerking, inspiring, just all-around incredibly done. Steve & Michel are certainly personal heroes of mine, for the way they seize life, promote love and positivity, and truly make a difference in this world.
Really super duper cool of the director and Michel to surprise us with a fantastic Q&A, as well!
I urge everyone to see it!
"Sometimes you find yourself having to put all your faith in no faith."
~not a dude~
2010: MSGx2
2012: Made In America
2013: Pittsburgh, Brooklynx2, Hartford, Baltimore
2014: Leeds, Milton Keynes, Detroit
2015: Global Citizen Festival
2016: Phillyx2, MSGx2, Fenwayx2 2018: Barcelona, Wrigleyx2
Article written by Steve in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated:
I have no intention to “hang in there” or “survive.” I intend to keep living a purposeful, productive life, and do what I love. – @TeamGleason
I tweeted that a couple weeks ago because I get that a lot: Hang in there, Steve. It’s often preceded by something like, You’re a true hero!
But do heroes “hang in there”? Look, I get it. It’s a figure of speech, a crutch phrase for when you aren’t exactly sure what to say. It’s usually well-intentioned, but I think it’s worth exploring. Personally, I think “hang in there” is for cheesy kitty-cat greeting cards. Nothing against kitty cats, but hanging in there isn’t for me.
On Jan. 5, 2011—three years after I retired from the NFL—I was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease that causes your muscles to atrophy and die. There is no cure. I learned that when I was diagnosed, which was right about the time I started recording videos sharing my thoughts about what was happening to my body. Nearly 1,500 hours of footage later we’re releasing a film, Gleason, about how my wife, Michel, and I have lived our lives over the last 5 1/2 years.
When doctors first diagnosed me, their basic sentiment was, We’ve got nothing. Hang in there. Thanks a lot, dude.
A few weeks after that diagnosis, Michel and I found out she was pregnant. Immediately I switched my focus; instead of introspective journals, I started recording videos that would help our yet-to-be-born son, Rivers, know who I was. I still record my memories, beliefs, shortcomings, advice and loves.
Fortunately for someone in my position, ALS rarely affects the mind or the eyes. As a result there is a non-medical “treatment” for ALS. I would even call it a cure. That treatment is technology. I cannot move or talk or breathe on my own, but because of evolving eye-tracking technology, which I use in conjunction with a tablet, I can do anything an ordinary person can do: text, talk, play music, watch movies, conduct online meetings ... write a column in Sports Illustrated. I’ve partnered with Microsoft to develop a program where people like me can drive with our eyes, and next I’ll be working with them and Johns Hopkins to explore ways we can play musical instruments. I can control everything in our house: TVs, doors, lights, the thermostat ... I even tweet while I’m pooping. Just. Like. You.
It ain’t easy, but I love the life that Michel and I share. I played eight years in the NFL, and yet I don’t really remember ever thinking, I need to hang in there. ... Maybe while I was mid-air, blocking punts. Hang in there!
When you watch our film, you’ll see elements of football—but it’s not about football. I think sports movies, in general, tend to abide by an almost clichéd storybook narrative. The journey. The struggle. The resolution. The sunset. But from my experience, real life doesn’t work like that. Real life is messy.
When I started recording journals for Rivers, who’s now four, I wanted to be sure he didn’t get the “storybook sports dad” version of me. I wanted him to see the raw, imperfect, flailing person that I am. I wanted him to see my vulnerabilities, because I wanted him to know that sharing our weaknesses is how we find our strengths. And because my goal was to share my most real self with our son, that intimacy and rawness is translated in the film for the audience. I’d like to say that I’m completely comfortable with this but, truthfully, it’s downright scary. One of the themes I try to convey to Rivers as I continue to shoot video journals is acknowledge your fear, but proceed anyway. I had to take my own advice as this film was being made. Acknowledge and proceed.
Really, my movie isn’t even about ALS. It’s about being a human rather than a kitty cat. Michel and I chose to turn my footage into a feature film because we thought viewers would see themselves in our humanity. We’re two imperfect people striving to find strength, solidarity and love under extraordinary circumstances. I believe the desire to live with purpose, despite the circumstances in one’s life, is universal. If our movie inspires anyone to live life more triumphantly, rather than hanging in there, we’ve succeeded.
@ Pearl Jam Activism shared Gleason Movie's video.
Amazing news! Gleason Movie expands to more theaters this weekend! [PJ fans: if you see it, let us know what you think!) #LiveWithPurpose #GleasonMovie
Wrecked indeed. Honestly, just reading reviews of this film makes me cry, and the preview made me pretty much bawl. Not sure how I'll handle actually watching it. I'll probably have to call in sick the next day or something. Kidding/not kidding.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
Comments
http://gleasonmovie.com/
Former New Orleans Saints star defensive back, Steve Gleason, was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. Soon after he learned that his wife Michel was pregnant with their first child.
The award-winning documentary, Gleason, chronicles Steve's debilitating disease; the birth of his son, Rivers; the launch and work of the Team Gleason non-profit and all the life in-between.
The Gleason film - which includes Pearl Jam footage and music, plus a new song written and performed by Mike McCready - is "...riveting on EVERY level as a father, friend, husband, teammate," says McCready.
You can support Steve Gleason by going to see his film in select theaters when it opens on July 29.
Here is the list of theaters where Gleason Movie will be shown opening week-end 7/29!
GLEASON Premieres July 29 In Select Theaters
July 21 2016
Former New Orleans Saints star defensive back Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34. Soon after he learned that his wife Michel was pregnant with their first child.
The award-winning documentary, Gleason, chronicles Steve’s debilitating disease; the birth of his son, Rivers; the launch and work of the Team Gleason non-profit and all the life in-between.
The Gleason film – which includes Pearl Jam footage and music, plus a new song written + performed by Mike McCready – is “…riveting on EVERY level as a father, friend, husband, teammate,” says McCready.
You can support Steve Gleason by going to see his film in select theaters when it opens on July 29.
New York - Lincoln Square + Landmark Sunshine
New Orleans - Canal Place + AMC Elmwood
San Francisco - Emarcadero
Seattle - Guild 45 + Lincoln Square Bellevue
Los Angeles - Arclight Hollywood + The Landmark
Find more theaters here.
http://www.gleasontickets.com/microsite/3579#In_Theaters
2003: 4/29 Albany, 5/2 Buffalo, 7/9 MSG 2 2006: 5/12 Albany, 6/3 East Rutherford 2
2008: 6/27 Hartford 2009: 10/27 Philadelphia 1 2010: 5/15 Hartford, 5/21 MSG 2
2013: 10/15 Worcester 1, 10/25 Hartford 2014: 10/1 Cincinnati
2018: 9/2 Fenway 1
2024: 9/3 MSG 1, 9/4 MSG 2 , 9/15 Fenway 1, 9/17 Fenway 2
|11.6.00Seattle|6.6.03Vegas|6.7.03PHX|5.25.06Boston|7.22.06Gorge|7.23.06Gorge|9.21.09Seattle|9.22.09Seattle |10.6.09LA|11.19.13PHX|11.29.13Portland|12.6.13Seattle |10.22.14Denver| 8.8.18 Seattle | 8.10.18 Seattle
EV Solo |7.15.11 Benaroya|7.16.11 Benaroya|4.13.12PHX|10.30.14Redmond|
TOTD 11.11.16 San Fran
6/19/95 Red Rocks
9/11/98 MSG
11/19/12 EV solo Tulsa
7/19/13 Wrigley 10/19/13 Brooklyn 2 10/21/13 Philly 1 10/22/13 Philly 2 10/25/13 Hartford
10/08/14 Tulsa 10/09/14 Lincoln
9/26/15 NYC Global Citizen
4/16/16 Greenville 4/28/16 Philly 1 4/29/16 Philly 2 5/1/16 MSG 1 5/2/16 MSG 2 8/7/16 Fenway 2 8/20/16 Wrigley 1
4/7/17 RRHOF New York City
9/2/18 Fenway 1 9/4/2018 Fenway 2
9/18/21 Asbury Park
2/4/22 EV Earthlings NYC 2/6/22 EV Earthlings Newark 9/11/22 MSG 9/14/22 Camden
9/3/24 MSG 1 9/4/24 MSG 2 9/7/24 Philly 1 9/9/24 Philly 2
6/19/95 Red Rocks
9/11/98 MSG
11/19/12 EV solo Tulsa
7/19/13 Wrigley 10/19/13 Brooklyn 2 10/21/13 Philly 1 10/22/13 Philly 2 10/25/13 Hartford
10/08/14 Tulsa 10/09/14 Lincoln
9/26/15 NYC Global Citizen
4/16/16 Greenville 4/28/16 Philly 1 4/29/16 Philly 2 5/1/16 MSG 1 5/2/16 MSG 2 8/7/16 Fenway 2 8/20/16 Wrigley 1
4/7/17 RRHOF New York City
9/2/18 Fenway 1 9/4/2018 Fenway 2
9/18/21 Asbury Park
2/4/22 EV Earthlings NYC 2/6/22 EV Earthlings Newark 9/11/22 MSG 9/14/22 Camden
9/3/24 MSG 1 9/4/24 MSG 2 9/7/24 Philly 1 9/9/24 Philly 2
I can't say enough good things about the movie. Profound, powerful, raw, hilarious, tear-jerking, inspiring, just all-around incredibly done. Steve & Michel are certainly personal heroes of mine, for the way they seize life, promote love and positivity, and truly make a difference in this world.
Really super duper cool of the director and Michel to surprise us with a fantastic Q&A, as well!
I urge everyone to see it!
~not a dude~
2010: MSGx2
2012: Made In America
2013: Pittsburgh, Brooklynx2, Hartford, Baltimore
2014: Leeds, Milton Keynes, Detroit
2015: Global Citizen Festival
2016: Phillyx2, MSGx2, Fenwayx2
2018: Barcelona, Wrigleyx2
I have no intention to “hang in there” or “survive.” I intend to keep living a purposeful, productive life, and do what I love. – @TeamGleason
I tweeted that a couple weeks ago because I get that a lot: Hang in there, Steve. It’s often preceded by something like, You’re a true hero!
But do heroes “hang in there”? Look, I get it. It’s a figure of speech, a crutch phrase for when you aren’t exactly sure what to say. It’s usually well-intentioned, but I think it’s worth exploring. Personally, I think “hang in there” is for cheesy kitty-cat greeting cards. Nothing against kitty cats, but hanging in there isn’t for me.
On Jan. 5, 2011—three years after I retired from the NFL—I was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease that causes your muscles to atrophy and die. There is no cure. I learned that when I was diagnosed, which was right about the time I started recording videos sharing my thoughts about what was happening to my body. Nearly 1,500 hours of footage later we’re releasing a film, Gleason, about how my wife, Michel, and I have lived our lives over the last 5 1/2 years.
When doctors first diagnosed me, their basic sentiment was, We’ve got nothing. Hang in there. Thanks a lot, dude.
A few weeks after that diagnosis, Michel and I found out she was pregnant. Immediately I switched my focus; instead of introspective journals, I started recording videos that would help our yet-to-be-born son, Rivers, know who I was. I still record my memories, beliefs, shortcomings, advice and loves.
Fortunately for someone in my position, ALS rarely affects the mind or the eyes. As a result there is a non-medical “treatment” for ALS. I would even call it a cure. That treatment is technology. I cannot move or talk or breathe on my own, but because of evolving eye-tracking technology, which I use in conjunction with a tablet, I can do anything an ordinary person can do: text, talk, play music, watch movies, conduct online meetings ... write a column in Sports Illustrated. I’ve partnered with Microsoft to develop a program where people like me can drive with our eyes, and next I’ll be working with them and Johns Hopkins to explore ways we can play musical instruments. I can control everything in our house: TVs, doors, lights, the thermostat ... I even tweet while I’m pooping. Just. Like. You.
It ain’t easy, but I love the life that Michel and I share. I played eight years in the NFL, and yet I don’t really remember ever thinking, I need to hang in there. ... Maybe while I was mid-air, blocking punts. Hang in there!
When you watch our film, you’ll see elements of football—but it’s not about football. I think sports movies, in general, tend to abide by an almost clichéd storybook narrative. The journey. The struggle. The resolution. The sunset. But from my experience, real life doesn’t work like that. Real life is messy.
When I started recording journals for Rivers, who’s now four, I wanted to be sure he didn’t get the “storybook sports dad” version of me. I wanted him to see the raw, imperfect, flailing person that I am. I wanted him to see my vulnerabilities, because I wanted him to know that sharing our weaknesses is how we find our strengths. And because my goal was to share my most real self with our son, that intimacy and rawness is translated in the film for the audience. I’d like to say that I’m completely comfortable with this but, truthfully, it’s downright scary. One of the themes I try to convey to Rivers as I continue to shoot video journals is acknowledge your fear, but proceed anyway. I had to take my own advice as this film was being made. Acknowledge and proceed.
Really, my movie isn’t even about ALS. It’s about being a human rather than a kitty cat. Michel and I chose to turn my footage into a feature film because we thought viewers would see themselves in our humanity. We’re two imperfect people striving to find strength, solidarity and love under extraordinary circumstances. I believe the desire to live with purpose, despite the circumstances in one’s life, is universal. If our movie inspires anyone to live life more triumphantly, rather than hanging in there, we’ve succeeded.
http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/07/27/steve-gleason-documentary-als-new-orleans-saints
Amazing news! Gleason Movie expands to more theaters this weekend! [PJ fans: if you see it, let us know what you think!) #LiveWithPurpose #GleasonMovie
6/19/95 Red Rocks
9/11/98 MSG
11/19/12 EV solo Tulsa
7/19/13 Wrigley 10/19/13 Brooklyn 2 10/21/13 Philly 1 10/22/13 Philly 2 10/25/13 Hartford
10/08/14 Tulsa 10/09/14 Lincoln
9/26/15 NYC Global Citizen
4/16/16 Greenville 4/28/16 Philly 1 4/29/16 Philly 2 5/1/16 MSG 1 5/2/16 MSG 2 8/7/16 Fenway 2 8/20/16 Wrigley 1
4/7/17 RRHOF New York City
9/2/18 Fenway 1 9/4/2018 Fenway 2
9/18/21 Asbury Park
2/4/22 EV Earthlings NYC 2/6/22 EV Earthlings Newark 9/11/22 MSG 9/14/22 Camden
9/3/24 MSG 1 9/4/24 MSG 2 9/7/24 Philly 1 9/9/24 Philly 2