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Steve Gleason Quotes

Powerful Steve Gleason for Daily Growth

About Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason (born March 29, 1976) is an American former professional football player, activist, and founder of Team Gleason, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Born in Springfield, Missouri, Gleason excelled in sports from a young age. He attended St. Louis University on a football scholarship and was later drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2001. Gleason's life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, just three years after retiring from professional football. Despite this devastating diagnosis, Gleason chose to focus on living positively and creating change for those affected by the disease. He founded Team Gleason, which aims to provide innovative technologies and solutions for people living with ALS. Throughout his journey, Gleason has become a powerful advocate for those with ALS and disability rights. In 2015, he was honored as one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People. His story was also the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary "Gleason," which chronicled his life after the diagnosis. Quotes by Steve Gleason serve as a source of inspiration and resilience. One of his most famous quotes, "There is no crying in football, but there is crying in ALS," encapsulates his spirit of determination and refusal to succumb to adversity. Another poignant quote, "I've accepted the fact that I'm going to die, but it doesn't define me," shows his unwavering focus on living a meaningful life beyond his diagnosis. Steve Gleason's life story and activism continue to inspire millions worldwide, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, one can make a difference and lead with courage, determination, and hope.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It's a privilege to be here now. The future is promised to no one."

This quote by Steve Gleason emphasizes the value and importance of living in the present moment. The implication is that life is unpredictable, and we don't know what lies ahead. Therefore, it's crucial to cherish and make the most of every moment we have now, as the future isn't guaranteed for any of us. This quote encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and a sense of urgency in appreciating life and seizing opportunities when they present themselves.

"Every inconvenience in life pales in comparison to the infinite value of human connection."

This quote emphasizes that despite the challenges, hardships or inconveniences we may face in life, they are insignificant compared to the profound value and importance of human connection. In essence, it suggests that our connections with others are a precious resource that transcends any difficulty or obstacle, making them infinitely valuable.

"There is no such thing as normalcy, only resilience."

This quote highlights the idea that the pursuit of a 'normal' life or state is an unattainable ideal, due to the inherent diversity and complexities of human existence. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of resilience - the ability to withstand adversity, bounce back from hardships, and adapt to changing circumstances. The focus should be on developing the strength and flexibility needed to navigate life's challenges effectively, rather than striving for an elusive state of 'normalcy'.

"Life happens now. Don't wait for it to start."

Steve Gleason's quote emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, as life is always happening now rather than at some future point. It encourages people to seize opportunities and enjoy experiences as they come, without procrastinating or waiting for an ideal time to start living. This perspective can inspire individuals to lead more meaningful, fulfilling lives by fully engaging with their surroundings and the people in their lives.

"Find what moves you and chase it with every ounce of passion in your soul."

This quote by Steve Gleason encourages one to discover their personal passions and pursue them with unwavering enthusiasm and dedication. The essence lies in the idea that everyone has unique interests, talents, or aspirations that stir their spirit, and it's essential to identify those elements and invest one's energy and soul into chasing them. This quote inspires individuals to follow their hearts, find meaning and purpose, and strive for personal fulfillment in life.

Life is difficult. Not just for me or other ALS patients. Life is difficult for everyone. Finding ways to make life meaningful and purposeful and rewarding, doing the activities that you love and spending time with the people that you love - I think that's the meaning of this human experience.

- Steve Gleason

Love, Other, Rewarding, Purposeful

The film 'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,' based the book of the same name, has a line that enlightens and comforts me. The protagonist, who has lost all ability to move except one eye, discusses his role as a father. He notes, 'Even a fraction of a father is still a father.'

- Steve Gleason

Role, Line, Notes, Bell

To cure ALS medically is not economical. The realities are that it's difficult to find funding for research for a medical cure. I believe in developing technology as opposed to medical research. Technology can be economical.

- Steve Gleason

Medical, Funding, Opposed, Medically

Many ALS patients end up fading away quietly and dying. For me, this was not OK. I did not want to fade away quietly.

- Steve Gleason

Want, Away, Patients, Fading

A terminal diagnosis can really mess with your head. Honestly, it makes you want to run away to the moon. Many ALS patients want to fade away quietly. This was not for me.

- Steve Gleason

Away, Honestly, To The Moon, Fade

Because ALS is underfunded, patients have had no option but to fade away and die. That is not OK.

- Steve Gleason

Die, Fade, Away, OK

I have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It's a terminal disease with an average lifespan of two to five years post-diagnosis, and scientists don't know what causes it. ALS prevents your brain from talking to your muscles. As a result, muscles die. As a result, every 90 minutes people die. I am a person.

- Steve Gleason

Die, Average, 90 Minutes, Diagnosed

Typing with your fingers or thumbs is sooooo 2012. I tweeted that earlier in the year. I type with my eyes. Not only that, I navigate my computer, create and play music, keep a calendar, conference call, lead web X meetings, text and, obviously, tweet with my eyes.

- Steve Gleason

Play, Year, Conference, Play Music

If we have a purpose in life beyond being a cog in the human machine, mine is to help inspire people and that's pretty cool. I would like to motivate the world.

- Steve Gleason

Purpose, Pretty, Mine, Motivate

I think about death all the time. I think that's a good thing because we're all going to die, and the only thing we can control is how we are and what we're doing in the meantime.

- Steve Gleason

Die, Doing, Think, Meantime

It's pretty simple for me; I believe all people are created equal, regardless of their sexuality. To promote respect and acceptance is an important role for NFL players and the NFLPA.

- Steve Gleason

Simple, Sexuality, Role, All People

ALS does not affect cognitive process. Stephen Hawking, one of smartest people on the planet, has ALS. It rarely affects the eyes. It doesn't affect senses like hearing, taste and touch.

- Steve Gleason

Process, Senses, Like, Hearing

I look at the human life like an experiment. Every new moment, every new experience, tragic or otherwise, is an opportunity to gain a more accurate perspective and helps lead me to clarity.

- Steve Gleason

New, Otherwise, Accurate, Tragic

To have a statue of you up 100 years from now at the Superdome, I think that's amazing.

- Steve Gleason

Think, Statue, I Think, 100 Years

I have moments where I miss my old self. But I think anyone can get caught up in what we used to have. But at the same time, we can choose to focus on the beauty of now.

- Steve Gleason

Think, Caught, I Think, Miss

Does anyone know if Lamborghini makes wheelchair vehicles? If not, I want to change that.

- Steve Gleason

Wheelchair, Does, Anyone, Vehicles

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