A couple of years ago, something called the Ice Bucket Challenge inundated social media. It involved pouring a bucket of ice water onto yourself or a friend, and then nominating others to do the same.
While this trend lasted only a few months, one resident of New Orleans has worked tirelessly to bring awareness to Lou Gehrig’s disease, a common name for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
In 2006, Steve Gleason gained national recognition for his block of a punt in the Saints’ opening game following Hurricane Katrina. Nearly six years later, Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a debilitating and terminal neuro-muscular disease.
Gleason did not allow this to stop him. Years before the Ice Bucket Challenge was popularized, he worked with many others in the New Orleans community to start Gleason Fest, which celebrated its sixth year on Saturday, Sept. 24.
Of the festival’s success, Gleason said, “Every year Gleason Gras gets bigger and bigger. It’s the 10th anniversary of the blocked punt and the 6th Gleason Gras so we are hoping to have an even larger attendance. It means so much to me, Michel and Rivers to have the amazing support of our community. We are hoping for great weather and a good time!”
The event, hosted by What You Give Will Grow, began with a 3.7 mile race down Bayou St. John and the Lafitte Greenway. The festival took place for the second year at the Team Gleason House on Bienville Street in Mid-City.
The festival included performances by the 610 Stompers, Hot 8 Brass Band, Bag of Donuts and Tre-G with special guest Supa Saints. There were also food vendors, a sports bar playing the college games, as well as a Microsoft kids area.
The money raised at the festival went toward ALS awareness as well as into the Gleason Family Trust. The Gleason Family Trust is dedicated to supporting the costs of treatments and accommodations for families affected by ALS. Additionally, Gleason devotes time and funds to advancing technologies for those suffering from the disease in an effort to find a cure one day.
In a press release, Thomas Morstead, Saints player, said of the festival, “I am incredibly honored and excited to be hosting Gleason Gras through What You Give Will Grow this year. The impact Steve is making in the ALS community is second to none. He has been and continues to be an inspiration to me and so many in New Orleans and around the world.”
