NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Former New Orleans Saints player and beloved community figure, Steve Gleason, expressed deep gratitude from his hospital bed on Saturday night (Sept. 14), after receiving emergency treatment during the chaos of Hurricane Francine. Gleason praised his long-standing care team, calling them “heroes” for their dedication and service.
“Through adversity, we find our Heroes,” Gleason wrote in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter). “Some of our care crew have been with me since 2011. They’ve been with us through the darkness and the light. They were with me in the ambulance Wednesday as we navigated the precipice. They changed their daily schedules to stay with me at the hospital, and because of their service, I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth. Infinite Gratitude & Love.”
The 47-year-old Gleason, who was diagnosed in 2011 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has long been an advocate for those battling the neurodegenerative disease, which progressively robs patients of muscle control. There is no known cure for ALS, making his health journey all the more challenging.
Details about the medical emergency Gleason faced on Wednesday remain undisclosed. However, it occurred as Hurricane Francine brought widespread destruction to the New Orleans area, causing power outages and emergency response challenges.
In a separate post on Friday, Gleason poetically compared ALS to the destructive force of a hurricane, saying the disease “made landfall” in his body on the same day that Francine wreaked havoc on the city.
Gleason’s message of resilience and gratitude struck a chord with fans and the community, who have followed his courageous battle with ALS over the years. His story, immortalized by his iconic blocked punt during the Saints’ first game back in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina, continues to inspire many.
For now, it is unclear how long Gleason will remain hospitalized, but his words from his hospital bed convey a deep sense of hope, love, and unwavering strength despite the challenges.
His ability to face adversity, both in the form of ALS and a devastating hurricane, is a reminder of the impact he continues to have on those around him.
Fans and supporters of the Team Gleason Foundation, which he founded to help improve the lives of those living with ALS, have rallied online, sending messages of encouragement and prayers for his recovery.
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