Steve Gleason deserves Congressional Gold Medal
Former NFL star and Washington State Cougar Steve Gleason has made an even bigger impact off the field, as an advocate for health research and helping individuals with neuromuscular diseases live full lives.
U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell want to show this Spokane native how proud his home state is of his accomplishments by nominating him for a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow.
Previous recipients of the award include Thomas Edison, Jonas Salk and Jesse Owens. It’s a lofty group of scientists, athletes and other luminaries. Gleason belongs in that company for changing countless lives through the Gleason Initiative Foundation and through the example he has set as a man living well despite health challenges.
“Steve is an inspiration to all of us. His perseverance, determination and unbreakable spirit have helped the world understand ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and how it impacts people and their families every day,” wrote Cantwell.
Before Congress can award a Congressional Gold Medal, both the House and Senate must pass legislation, which then must be signed by the president. The award for Gleason should not be a heavy lift. After playing both baseball and football at WSU and helping the Cougars football team advance to the 1997 Rose Bowl, Gleason was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and went on to play seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In 2011, he was diagnosed with ALS and began the biggest fight of his life.
At the time of his diagnosis, Gleason said there will be “No White Flags,” a saying that has become his mantra and the rallying cry of the Gleason Initiative Foundation. His foundation helps provide leading edge technology, equipment and services to people with neuromuscular diseases or injuries. He has given hundreds of people with ALS life experiences they didn’t think possible.
Steve Gleason has set a wonderful example, turning his fame and drive toward the goal of researching a way to end ALS. He is a man worth honoring with a Congressional Gold Medal.