Steve's Story - Team Gleason

Pearl Jam has been a vocal supporter of Steve Gleason and Team Gleason. Lead singer Eddie Vedder frequently mentions Steve at Pearl Jam concerts and praised him, saying, “Steve Gleason is one of the most courageous people I’ve ever met. His fight against ALS and his efforts through Team Gleason have shown the world what true strength and resilience look like.” In 2013, Steve had the opportunity to interview Pearl Jam, a testament to their deep connection. 

In 2014, Steve, Michel, and their son Rivers starred in Microsoft’s first Super Bowl commercial. Seven months later, Steve challenged Microsoft to create a way to drive his wheelchair with his eyes. 

In 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, bringing unprecedented awareness and funding to ALS. Steve Gleason participated in the challenge, helping to amplify its impact. The Ice Bucket Challenge raised over $220 million globally, significantly boosting research and support initiatives for ALS.  Later that year, Steve was named one of Sports Illustrated’s Inspirations of the Year along with Pete Frates for their efforts of bringing awareness to the disease. 

He has spoken at prestigious events including Microsoft conferences and United Nations Social Innovation Summits. 

Steve’s relentless pursuit of progress led to the creation of the Steve Gleason Act in 2015, which ensured that Medicare beneficiaries had access to essential communication devices. This legislation was later succeeded by the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act in 2018, further extending support for those with ALS. Steve and Team Gleason were instrumental in pushing the Louisiana Right to Try Act, which was signed into law. 

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy praised Steve as “a national hero,” while Representative Steve Scalise highlighted how “Steve Gleason’s fight against ALS and his work with Team Gleason have brought hope and support to countless individuals facing similar battles.”  

Steve Gleason’s journey with ALS and his unyielding spirit were chronicled in the 2016 documentary “Gleason.” The film provides an intimate look at his life, from his football career to his battle with ALS, his family life, and his advocacy work. It received critical acclaim and brought widespread attention to the realities of living with ALS. The movie received outstanding reviews at the Sundance Film Festival and was a contender for the 2016 Academy Awards. 

In 2019, as a result of Steve’s 2014 challenge to Microsoft, eye-tracking technology for power wheelchairs was developed, a breakthrough that has made a significant impact on the lives of those with severe physical disabilities. Tolt Technologies released the Ability Drive, allowing pALS to use eye-tracking control systems to drive their power wheelchairs. Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft, acknowledged Steve’s influence in a blog post, stating, “Steve Gleason’s bravery and spirit in the face of ALS are nothing short of extraordinary. His challenge to us at Microsoft to create technology for those with severe disabilities led to groundbreaking advancements that will benefit many.”