The Mardi Gras World Annex was transformed into an elegant venue for an evening filled with inspiring and emotional tributes at Team Gleason's Game Changer Gala, honoring those making a significant difference in humble ways to battle ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—also known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease").
New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason has been one the modern-day face of this horrifically degenerative condition that is estimated to takes the lives of as many as five in every 100,000 deaths in people 20 years or older in the U.S., according to ALS News Today. Gleason as a New Orleans Saints player helped propel the Saints to their Super Bowl championship by famously blocking a punt by Atlanta Falcons.
Yet, his biggest celebrity has been after football as a leader in expanding awareness of ALS. While most people with ALS have a life expectancy less than five years from diagnosis, the popular 47-year-old former Saints player has been living over 15 years with ALS, largely due to support, technology, and advances he also helped galvanize. His inspiration, positivity, and honesty in living with ALS is a game changer.
Presenters such as actor Jude Law, former Saints coach Sean Payton, former quarterback and team mate Drew Brees, Saints owner Gayle Benson, Fox Sports broadcaster Jen Hale, and actor/comedian Keegan-Michael Key brought humanity and humor to gala guests in forwarding understanding and the importance of the audience's contributions. Musical entertainment included Lauren Daigle and John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band.
Hopkins, who also has ALS himself and spearheads his Hop On A Cure initiative, shared his appreciation on still being able to still sing and play the guitar. He even poked fun at his diminished motor skills by humorously apologizing to the crowd as he began his set, saying, "Sorry I'm going so slow."
But it was Gleason's speech that brought the house down with laughter and tears. Gleason, who recorded every word in the dictionary early in his diagnosis, talks through an eye-reading voice generator that emulated his own voice. He emphatically stressed the importance of the support and help from his family, former teammates, and friends, citing Gayle Benson for "all she has done for my family."
"ALS doesn't wait and neither can we," Gleason said. "With your help, we can all be game changers."
Thus, Team Gleason has made this annual celebration a thank you to honor the game changers in the world, as well as raise funds while having fun with an auction and donations—with the goal of 100% participation by all attendees. And participate they did. Auction items alone raising well over $100,000.
Those wanting to change the game can volunteer, donate, or contribute in any way they are able at teamgleason.org.
