Former New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason, whose body was once a well-oiled machine, now doesn’t possess the motor skills needed to be able to turn on a light switch.
But Gleason, whose physical strength has been sapped by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), and others suffering from ALS and multiple sclerosis can tap technology to retain their independence.
JPMorgan Chase, Ouachita Parish’s largest private employer, joined Gleason in New Orleans Thursday to announce a $350,000 grant for The Team Gleason House for Innovative Living. Former teammate and current Saints quarterback Drew Brees also spoke at the event.
Chase employs about 2,600 people in Ouachita Parish at its national mortgage records center, mortgage servicing call center and various retail banking locations.
The Team Gleason House will be located at St. Margaret’s Skilled Nursing Residence and will be the second U.S. facility of its kind.
“The Team Gleason House was only a dream less than a year ago,” Gleason said. “Through our efforts and the extraordinary efforts of Chase and St. Margaret’s, we have realized that dream so ALS patients can continue to live, thrive and contribute to the community. Until there is a medical cure for ALS, technology is the cure and we are proving that today.”
Gleason has become a folk hero on and off the field as a symbol of the city’s determination and perseverance. His celebrated punt-block on the night the Superdome reopened in 2006 renewed hope that New Orleans was ready for a big comeback following Hurricane Katrina.
“That was the day when the people of New Orleans began to believe that we can win again,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. “What Steve did is prove that no matter how bad things got, if we work hard and come together, we can turn it around. What’s in his heart represents the best that the city of New Orleans has to offer.”
Gleason retired from football in 2008 and was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. He has made it his mission to show ALS patients can thrive after this diagnosis.
The Team Gleason House for Innovative Living will be a residential facility within St. Margaret’s that provides care for people living with incurable neuromuscular disorders, such as ALS and MS. Since these diseases are incurable, The Team Gleason House’s approach will focus on employing technology that allows patients to control doors, lights, televisions, shades and other devices through eye-sensitive technologies.
“The Team Gleason House will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, making it part of the city’s progress in developing a more entrepreneurial, innovative economy,” said Todd Maclin, chairman of Chase Consumer and Commercial Banking. “Investing in biosciences and digital technology will create more economic diversity and greater opportunity in New Orleans.”
Since Hurricane Katrina, Chase has donated more than $30 million to nonprofits working in Louisiana.
“Steve Gleason inspired our city when he blocked that punt,” said Lizette Terral, president of Chase in New Orleans. “But even more inspiring is his work to prove ALS patients can still lead productive lives. Chase is very proud to partner with Steve and Team Gleason.”
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