Former NFL Player Steve Gleason's Emotional Battle with ALS, Being a Dad

Today, Steve Gleason, who stars in the documentary "Gleason," relies on a ventilator to stay alive and a computer to speak.

[@applejellypucci]

I'm so glad they captured his voice before he lost it due to damage from ALS so he still could use it to communicate. What a great guy and his wife is great, too.

[@ronderulijkummar7453]

A number of years ago I watched a neighbor die of this disease. He was in the prime of his life and it was so tragic! His wife was so devastated that she never remarried! He was a true warrior and fought valiantly for 2 years . Rest in peace Melvin !

[@emilyme05]

This woman is a role model. God bless her richly. She is strength and the best of character. ALS is devastating and I can't begin to think how I'd deal with being diagnosed with that. He's ultimately a legend not only for his football skills but more his grace with dealing with this horrible disease.

[@yevodee4024]

+ Aggie Chick The entity whom you call god (and who is supposedly omnipotent), would have been a much better being/entity if he/she/it had used that omnipotence to prevent such a horrible situation from developing for the woman and for her loved one on this Earth. THAT is real benevolence. There is no verifiable evidence whatsoever of any omnipotent being/god, or heaven, or hell, or rebirth/reincarnation.

[@Angry.General1461]

He is lucky she didn't leave him and cheat on him because of his disability!

[@godmadesam]

Yevodee Only an atheist would attempt to steal a word of encouragement. Smh. If you don’t believe in God then this is not good or bad! There is no evil or good. We are all over grown protoplasm and germs, right? Don’t bring your anger against the One who gave you life to this comment thread! We live in a fallen world and evil exist because of the disbelief and hatred of God! This family is going through an extremely awful experience and are choosing to see the silver lining. Just be kind, although you have no reason why you should be because you live in deception, and take your with your atheistic worldview on another thread!

[@cowmoo007]

@@yevodee4024 You need to get this disease and then you will be ok......For your actions because of this YHWH (God) will now get you and assign you a sickness debase demon..con-graduations!

[@yevodee4024]

+@@cowmoo007 You mean just as your great, loving Yahweh allowed (or may be made) this poor, innocent *Yahweh-worshipping Christian man Alex* to die of this same horrible, horrible disease? May be you need to watch what happened to him, you numbskull. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3ebdWiBi7x-f68

[@neex3love568]

Even with his condition he's a way better father than most men.

[@Addy-745]

Speak for yourself asshole

[@lifewithzinnah]

idk why people are getting mad at your comment. you said MOST men, not ALL.

[@noonespecial619]

I believe you! Good people don’t know or understand the negative impact of having an absent or horrible father.

[@kaciadam911]

nobodys fault that your partner or father is a loser

[@gulzhandonbatalla6759]

He is so lucky to have such a great wife.

[@stuarthanna3650]

i wonder if he wasn't famous would she have stayed with him. Makes you wonder right?

[@muezzathestray750]

@@stuarthanna3650 don't wonder. Just appreciate good people sometimes Debbie downer

[@Angry.General1461]

He is lucky she didn't leave him and cheat on him because of his disability!

[@stuarthanna3650]

@@muezzathestray750 hey i'm just keeping in real here.

[@RedfishInc]

...and lucky to have the money. Most ALS patients don't have the resources to even buy a van to get around in much less all of the other high tech displayed in this video. Of course having someone there to love and support you is priceless.

[@rightcoast7049]

My mom has just been diagnosed with ALS. I am devastated. Her speech was starting to get slurred and we were hoping it was a side effect of the chemo, but it has slowly gotten worse. Now she can barely talk. God bless his wife for sticking by him...

[@justinjohnson8551]

god bless your mom and you.

[@brendahart7221]

I'm just seeing this for the first time....I'm praying for this family, and I'm sending love..💟🐞

[@brendahart7221]

Ms. Barney, I'm so sorry you lost your son, I can't imagine your pain. I'm 54, and my two daughters are 14 and 20 years old. I'm so thankful everyday for them. I'm keeping you and your family in my prayers and heart. May God bring you comfort, Blessings....Brenda in South Houston. 💟🐞

[@hawaiiankansanfeindel7131]

@Antenette Barney , I'm so sorry honey. What a horrible disease this is, you barely get the diagnosis and then their gone. I can't imagine how you feel. Just know that my heart goes out to you. Hugs from afar.❤

[@Angry.General1461]

@Antenette Barney If God really did exist why did he allow this to happen to an innocent man? Oh that's right, things like this don't happen to people for no reason! This man is a sinner and he deserved it. That's what your Bible says! He probably did something worser than terrorist or prisoners awaiting death row!

[@0000YumYum0000]

Same, this is such a sad story, but they seem to be a strong and loving family. I truly hope they find a cure for this and all of the other incurable diseases out there. Life is so short, and they are making the best out of what they have left. P.S. to the troll commenting on every post, worser isn’t a word you idiot, and get a real woman not your blowup doll under your bed.

[@tsiou6931]

@@Angry.General1461 no you are wrong. Easy to blame God. But where it is good it is evil as well and unfortunately this world is going under because of us people. We have the free will but we choose wrong. If you believe in God then you can understand that his Kingdom is not here. If you want to blame someone then blame the evil.

[@BajaChick]

It’s insane to think that at the same time both father and son are growing in opposite directions . While the son is learning to walk and talk... the father is learning to live without walking and talking.

[@dee7ani]

This father is amazing. Unfortunately we took “living a normal life” for granted. This video serves two purposes: 1. Truly gives hope for people with ALS 2. Makes us, people living a normal life, really appreciate every single blessing that god gave us and enjoy every moment in our life.

[@Thelivinglifeshow]

This man and this family has the strength and fearlessness that I wish I could have. This is a tragic disease.

[@ella-bt8hp]

This made me cry, you have so many deadbeat fathers look at him. It's heartbreaking. We all take our health for granted.

[@livelovelaugh473]

The wife is to be commended for quite simply.....continuing to love her husband, supporting him and being there for him no matter what! That is LOVE. That is LOYALTY.

[@BajaChick]

That scene 4:10 where she is feeding her son in her arms and feeding her husband at the same time is so loving ....

[@ForeverYoungTattooCo]

Steve is my hero. For those of you who have not watched the documentary, please do so. your outlook on life will change for the better and you will begin to live like you mean it.

[@Neurodivergent_Nat]

I did and it was absolutely an amazing documentary! What an amazing wife and family that is so supportive!!

[@PureChivalry]

One of the most beautiful people in the world. The gold standard for any father to live up to. What an amazing family

[@Guenter34]

I never really understood what exactly ALS is or what people went through until a few days ago, when KZbin decided to put all ALS videos possible in my recommended feed. But I now have a whole new respect for people with ALS.

[@BixbyLBC]

Same here. A random video popped up and I've been binge watching ALS videos since yesterday. I never understood it or cared to be honest but now I see how devastating this condition is. I definitely want to donate to research and help raise awareness. I have so much respect for those living with this and brave enough to tell their story and share it with the world....

[@kaizerknightshadekobra231]

I HOPE THEY FIND A CURE.

[@keither89]

Hussen Alaa (Hope) is the keyword

[@igot5onit423]

I do feel there's a cure for every disease... it usually lies in the disease itself that has the Cure... But this world has been so genetically modified it's probably almost impossible without dumping billions of dollars into research which is not being done to even come close to understanding what we're actually dealing with

[@timchapman9926]

Me too.... i hope so

[@Angry.General1461]

He is lucky she didn't leave him and cheat on him because of his disability!

[@AndrewWarrenPatriotsfan]

Agreed

[@keithmgts149]

I'm a 30 year old man I never cried so much in my life this man is an inspiration to all.

[@jennrallee1557]

I was diagnosed with als in January 2019, so almost 1 year now. Steve Gleason makes me feel better about it Besides Jesus, he’s the only thing that gives me peace and ALMOST acceptance God bless all of us with this disease and our caretakers!

[@Mloofylicious]

What I learned from my mother's struggle with ALS is that the only proper approach to them is without a sense of pity or too much superficial sympathy because it makes people feel worse about themselves then it's already the case. They want to be treated as equals and someone who still takes part in society. I remember her helping me with my homework when she already could no longer stand up, the warm palm of her hand and how she always looked great- nailpolish, perfume, beautiful clothes- to the very last day. And she loved coffee- "coffee" was, in fact, the very last word she said to me. Before we had time to prepare it, the ambulance came for her. I never saw her again. Hang in there, believe in yourself and you'll find the strength where you least expected it. Trust me.

[@hoodatheist5549]

Sorry to hear that but Jesus is not real.

[@meganhenry5795]

@@hoodatheist5549 You don't know that.

[@carolinamartinez1038]

God is with you always by your side dont forget that

[@zachcoleman6285]

Gleason is a good guy.

[@darrellwaters830]

AWESOME! GOD HELP NTHIS MOM AND PRECIOUS CHILD ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON'T HEAL THIS DAD BUT I ASK THAT YOU WOULD IN JEsUS' NAME,! Even if You don't heal this man, I pray his son won't grow up and be bitter even during his teen years if he won't have his dad there. I pray if You choose, or have already choosen to let this man die, that at the proper time, if its' the mom's desire, at least, You'll give her a new husband and his son a good step father in Jesus' name, amen.

[@elainebird58]

Still a hero...Beautiful story❤

[@Rachie-nj3oi]

I've only just heard about this. This video made me cry such a terrible disease to get right when your about to become a dad robbing you of so many things life can be so cruel. Im glad he hasn't given up and still has a sense of humour and making things fun for his son the best he can. He's an inspiration ❤️

[@goddesshatmehit4861]

This is absolutely beautiful!! Pulled my strings right out when father said i love you and his son said I...wuv youuuuuu dawwwww ♥️ and what an incredible mom/wife

[@WatWarrior22]

This makes me so sad and angry that people are going through this

[@dickesbraunespferd4268]

They also have a little baby girl now, born in October 2018.

[@FreshlySnipes]

Behind every good man is an even greater woman

[@lorestrahan2207]

@@harorider96 There are lots of good women left. You must be looking for them in the wrong places.

[@marcgiardina4043]

Wow is all I can muster that and many tears, it always shows me God self correcting my vanity and narcissistic ways when I complain about various ailments or problems I might have.What strength both showed he and his wife.

[@carlosdyer5868]

You said everything I want to say. I think many of us share the same sentiments.

[@Angry.General1461]

@@carlosdyer5868 If God really did exist why did he allow this to happen to an innocent man? Oh that's right, things like this don't happen to people for no reason! This man is a sinner and he deserved it. That's what your Bible says! He probably did something worser than terrorist or prisoners awaiting death row!

[@stuartalfreds146]

To the angry general. You shouldn't be using this site to vent against religon. You're entitled to your opinion but those who suffer from this or other serious conditions need positive thoughts and comments. Take your anger elsewhere. It doesn't belong here.

[@corryowens3099]

I'm 46 and suffering with ALS he's an inspiration. I wonder where they get those power wheel chairs.

[@delltawnnorthri7459]

I send you my best man. You are stronger than me. Within a week after diagnosis, I would be exiting this realm... Hope you are still strong. I'll pray for ya.

[@carolinamartinez1038]

God is with you always dont forget that

[@jeannineterese1037]

How are you doing?

[@corryowens3099]

@@delltawnnorthri7459 thanks for sending your prayers for me. It's not about being strong, you don't have a choice. If I could trust me,I wouldn't have this debilitating disease.

[@corryowens3099]

@@carolinamartinez1038 thanks for reminding me, but I'll never forget that. GOD is the only way I can wake up, whether I have this condition or not. ❤️

[@conservativeneurologyb4999]

Mr. Gleason, thanks for posting this; you clearly wish to live....there is help! do not give up!

[@40pianos]

As I mourn a confused and misdirected football great, Aaron Hernandez, I'm introduced to Steve Gleason. Gleason reminds us that we can all choose to be heroes. Life is but a series of choices and it seems, those who choose to honour, through sharing, the gifts they've been born with, make not just themselves and those around them better, but the entire world. If it ever needed to be stressed, Gleason does it for us in the most selfless, loving way; we are what we choose to be regardless of what life throws at us.

[@nathaliejean8126]

Thank you so much for sharing your courage with us...just beautiful

[@davidfleck9635]

He contributes so much to ALS it is remarkable my husband had ALS for two and a half years and he passed and team Gleason's helped him with so much stuff I can't thank that organization enough

[@nyashawarambwa5979]

who tf would dislike this, this is beautiful. this man is a role model

[@vendmaster7107]

Really puts things into perspective, big time.....we all get soo caught up in our everyday lives...work, paying bills, fighting over stupid things. Never take life for granted

[@lynnetteearle8142]

What an amazing video! He such an inspiration He has conquered his fate.He's a true champion!

[@HanksGirl98]

An incredible story, an incredible family. My half brother passed away from ALS at a young age. While I did not know him, my heart hurt for what he went through. God bless the Gleason family.

[@DrKnow323]

Thank you Mr. Gleason for giving me the opportunity of experiencing my NO Saints winning our very first Super Bowl. I thought I WAS NEVER GONNA EXPERIENCE THIS MOMENT, I was an ain't since 8 AND now I'm 30 and I got to experience the championship you the Saints gave us the fans. Thanks again Mr. Gleason.

[@lisapagliarulo9930]

The Proper Ways HES ADDED TO MY LIST OF HEROS

[@hollyfisher8811]

@@lisapagliarulo9930 Yes, in this case, I would definitely AGREE that this Finest-of-Men can be called a HERO❣...

[@nicoleholley7049]

Amen, Mrs. Gleason for hanging in there!!!

[@orpat007]

Steve's wife is a Goddess...what a pillar of strength she has been! A role model. I hope they find a remedy for ALS.

[@playaplaya162]

This whole family is so inspiring he and she are both super strong and have great spirits

[@sadiedaman4270]

This mad me cry

[@AndrewWarrenPatriotsfan]

Steve Gleason's movie was the most emotional movie that ever saw. From beginning to end I cried through out the whole thing.

[@CajunFyre92]

Steve, you brought happiness to my city after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Thank you for that, sir. Hope we are able to find a cure for you and your kids!!! Much love from The Who Dat Nation!!!

[@KM-xi5dn]

this is tragic, he seemed so alive and physically there 100% before. how devastating this is for him. god bless him, i pray there is a cure one day. i can’t imagine ever going through this.

[@TT-zj6iy]

She’s an absolute angel 😇

[@missymason3850]

Continue to stay strong. Families are strengths and life hope.

[@pamelachandra6434]

This is really sad at the same time soo inspirational... human can still motivate others when they are down ... definitely he is hero for his kid ... Wife is a woman of substance... awesome people !!

[@bullterriersmom4423]

This 2 are out of this world. I felt in love and admiration for Michel just how fucking real she is...her devotion and love towards her family. And Steve Gleason... well he is the bomb.

[@jaredwayne2356]

Sweet and touching video ❤

[@crmay72]

Wow... just wow. So much respect for this family, especially Michelle.

[@missymason3850]

Amazing spirit.thankyou for sharing. Love marriage and fatherhood.

[@hayleighruonavaara5069]

I cried a lot😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰🙁☹️🙁☹️🙁☹️🙁☹️🙁☹️🙁☹️😕😕😕😕😞😞😞😞😞😞😞😒😒😒😟😟😒😟😒😟😞😕🙁☹️😟😟😟🙁☹️🙁😔😔😔😔😕🙁☹️

[@aboutblank7662]

God bless them ... To his wife , wish there were more of you in this world!

[@livelovelaugh473]

This is such a sad, tear jerker and heart wrenching story. So sad.........

[@rorytenorio6323]

Such a humble person let this be an inspiration to all players and overall mankind

[@Ausarzoi]

Im sending my love to you and your family Steve..

[@christellevecchio]

What an incredible man!!

[@bobbyjohnson4344]

I love this much love bro

[@Brokid81]

I watched this last night. Cried my fucking eyes out. This documentary is touching, devastating, beautiful and as real as it gets. I feel so horrible for Steve, Michel and Rivers. I wish I could take this disease away.

[@danihouse32]

My partner was recently diagnosed with Bulbar ALS and this is just a heart wrenching disease. It's horrific. Thank you for sharing the raw reality of this horrific disease. Blessings to your family.

[@AmazonasUnboxingAndReviews]

Really emotional!

[@saragales1622]

He’s a far far better father than mine in every way possible!!!!

[@levedawininger8427]

Wow! I have young onset Parkinson's from Traumatic Brain Injury. Very similar to ALS. Gleason..so inspiring. Cannot stop crying though. However, although I have no one..they cannot understand; I do have that one key strength! I DO NOT give up! 💜💜💜💯

[@CrookedJoeBiden]

This made me sad and gave me inspiration.

[@antonyreed8281]

You're an inspiration

[@kimbachapman9856]

Beautiful story!!!

[@erika2685]

Gleason is a awesome dad and a good guy

[@edgarbrignoni]

Respect for this family.

[@KJ-hg5ck]

2:37 gets me everytime... dad in wheelchair pulling son on the field... it's so sweet...

[@jnwd1723]

God bless you Steve and be with you and strengthen you and give you courage and comfort...I'm thankful your wife takes good care of you and you have a beautiful son.. much love and respect to your whole family :-)

[@Angry.General1461]

How the hell is this disease a blessing? Do you even know what a blessing is? If God really did exist why did he allow this to happen to an innocent man? Oh that's right, things like this don't happen to people for no reason! This man is a sinner and he deserved it. That's what your Bible says! He probably did something worser than terrorist or prisoners awaiting death row!

[@-Maverick.]

@@Angry.General1461 You wanna know why God did this? Because we don't know why. Stop acting like you know everything God does.

[@BiscuitBoyTN]

Unreal. Mercy.

[@pmh419]

o my goodness heart touching story, STRENGTH my friend

[@Crissy24ful]

I like to think the sould and heart still have energy. He still loves and everything. His body is slowing him down.

[@meganhenry5795]

Beautiful man in every way.

[@davidfleck9635]

I was my husband's caregiver he was more worried about me cuz I did everything for him than him himself I took care of him for two and a half years and I miss it no cure disease it's so sad

[@tondrawalker3876]

OMG....😭😭😭😭that just touched my heart

[@noneofurbusiness4821]

Best motto ever... "Nothing worthwhile is easy....." -Gleason.....

[@nabilamnasyifaa]

God bless this family

[@gretchenschauff4980]

My brother was diagnosed in October of 2018. After 6 months of terrible pain, he his unable to move, talk except one eye to blink! He worked out 6 days a week before was a bike cyclist would take trips by himself and in two days ride about a 125 miles. They say because his heart is of a 30 year old . He’s on a breathing machine and feeding tube. He is one of 8 children number 5 first son born. He played high school football and scholarship to Alabama. I believe from what I have found out is it’s very possible concussions could of played a role in this.Another football player from his high school team died too! He’s was only 65 when diagnosed 😕. He lives out of town but my brothers and sister drive to see him regularly. So glad my mother and father are not with us to see what he is going through. Please pray for him and his family! They need it❣️. Thank you for listening it’s so hard to talk about.❣️ my prayers go out to everyone that has a love one going through this.

[@beaming25]

wow.. this made me cry

[@cristabenaomar]

Oh wow, so sad. My heart breaks for this family.

[@sarvgrover]

Steve Gleason is very strong and inspiring

[@bobbowie9350]

ABCNews should do a story on where all the Ice Bucket Challenge money went. God bless you Steve! and your family!

[@Icandrawastickman]

God bless you, Steve Gleason, you beautiful soul, I became a better person on the day that I learned about you. I love you and that love is alive and will go a long way.

[@lionheart5078]

God bless and heal him, what a mam.

[@judygarner3316]

Y'all are an awsome family. God bless yall 😇😇😇😇😇

[@york1881]

yesterday, i saw a video of a young mother of three about the same age as gleason being diagnosed with als in may 2014. in july she was in a wheel chair. in november she had to be ventilated and in march 2015 she was dead. i wish she would have had the same amount of medical help as gleason! than she might be still alive! money buys you u life. what a sad statement in a country which wastes trillions of dollars on their war machinery to invade other peoples countries and on lousy jails! gleason i wish with all my heart that you get better again!

[@tylerisnot510]

sounds like she lucked oout. who would want to live on a vent

[@davidlafleche1142]

Not necessarily. ALS is extremely unpredictable, and the disease progresses at different rates from one person to the next. Stephen Hawking has ALS, and thought he would be dead by 1965. He had even less technology available at that time, yet Hawking is still alive today.

[@sylentknight]

Hawking is dead

[@jah12wi]

york kuhn My grandmother was recently diagnosed with als and i pray too god she passes away before she cant breathe or becomes unable to move paralyzed. I wouldnt want to live like that i will use assisted suicide if i ever get it

[@davidlafleche1142]

In all fairness, medical care may or may not extend life. I saw a video of a girl who had ALS (she was the youngest person ever known to have it), and she received the best care possible; yet she still died quickly. The real problem is, ALS is totally unpredictable, and no one knows exactly why some people decline more quickly than others.

[@hariskhan9308]

Who would dislike this

[@mayaherman4762]

Ikr

[@lisapagliarulo9930]

Anonymous AMEN

[@J0hnny0]

Falcons fans

[@gummyneighborino7217]

People who feel bad, and dislike because they don't like how sad it is.

[@HeiJuLas]

@@gummyneighborino7217 I don't dislike this, but what about single persons.When you have no-one to care for you. My mom was divorced and I took care of her for 3 years. I had to. Who's gonna take care of me, if I get this? The whole thing just makes me so sad.

[@charlesgerety1403]

Made me cry a little

[@allannelson10]

3:50 ... Wow that broke my heart

[@jizzojohnny8407]

I've watched this before and I'm watching it again in 2019. It just brings me to tears when I watch this video 🥺 #BEAUTYFULFAMILY

[@jrbland18]

AN AMAZING STORY. SO NICE OF HIS WIFE STANDING BY HIS SIDE.

[@patsullivan7061]

I commend her for staying strong. But I dont think staying with him makes her great. She is his wife through sickness and health. Sure I get it that she could have left. But he was a star. How would this have made her look if she had abandoned him in his greatest time of need? She is well taken care of and has been made a star through this. He i s a true hero.

[@sandralindstrom1381]

God bless you, beautiful people

[@fctryoffetsh39]

God bless you and your family

[@marianwinslow2221]

Sending love and prayers❤❤❤

[@nickynatro]

So sad yet so inspiring.

[@iAmSantiCruz]

Gleason. I want to hug you. I hope they find a cure for this

[@sarahaye7176]

His wife is so strong for doing all of this !!

[@lawsonbarron4736]

Whoever dislikes this video or any other ALS videos should be ashamed of themselves and should imagine what it would be like to have the disease. My dad has ALS.

[@rainbowalincia3152]

This touched my heart and my soul life is a mystery

[@EnricoScacchia]

The functions of your soul are: Thinking / Will / Emotions.

[@christopherram8948]

@@EnricoScacchia that's naive. The soul is far more than that.