TEAM GLEASON MAKES THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE.

ROGER • PERKINSTON, MS

A beloved presence around the Team Gleason office, Roger is no stranger to our motto 'No White Flags.' Diagnosed with ALS in January 2021, Roger is determined to stay independent and true to himself. Roger utilizes a Permobil power chair equipped with a seat elevator, AAC apps on his phone, a voice amplifier, and many other accessible technologies provided by Team Gleason.

 
 

ASIA • CHARLOTTE, NC

Asia hasn't stopped pursuing her dreams, even after being diagnosed with ALS at 26 years old. Team Gleason partnered with a ski resort in Snowmass, Colorado, specializing in adaptive skiing. With the assistance of a trainer, Asia realized her dream adventure of not only experiencing snow but also hitting the slopes on a fully accessible ski chair.

KENDEL • MARIETTA, GA

Kendel was only 35 when she received an ALS diagnosis, and she was only 38 when her journey ended too soon. Kendel wrote this about living with ALS: When I was concerned about losing my voice, it was Team Gleason who funded the voice banking process and the creation of my digital voice. When I lost the ability to communicate verbally, it was Team Gleason who provided me with a tablet I can control with my eyes, that not only speaks for me but that I can also use for text messages and emails.

ROSIE • OAKWOOD HILLS, IL

For Rosie, quilting was not only a hobby but a passion. Bulbar onset ALS took away her ability to speak, but she was still able to create beautiful artwork with her fabric. Before her passing, Rosie completed over 100 quilts, which were often donated to charity. Rosie's speech-generating device, provided by Team Gleason, allowed her to continue being present in her online quilting groups.

PHIL • TEMECULA, CA

Phil is a former University of Washington football player, having participated in two Rose Bowl teams and boasting a 1991 National Championship win under his belt. Since his ALS diagnosis, Green has been actively involved in various activities and organizations to raise awareness and make a difference in the fight to end ALS. He currently serves on Team Gleason's Board of Directors and is a member of Team Gleason's A-Team, a committee led by individuals living with ALS who are passionate about innovating open-source, affordable, and life-changing technology.

MAXINE • NEW ORLEANS, LA

Queen Maxine runs the show wherever she is. Maxine uses eye tracking for computer access, allowing her to control the TV and scroll through Facebook. Her favorite things are glitter, gambling, seafood platters, and the New Orleans Saints.

STEVE • LINDEN, AL

Steve spent 31 years as a firefighter and rescue diver. After receiving an ALS diagnosis on his 21st wedding anniversary, Steve and his wife decided to cross adaptive scuba diving in Hawaii off his bucket list. Steve is also a volunteer

firefighter who continues to educate and inspire the next generation of first responders.

BRIAN • NEW ORLEANS, LA

Brian and Kristy were married in 2003 and have five beautiful children. After noticing a drop in his left foot, Brian received an ALS diagnosis in 2020. Kristy, is an unsung hero of the ALS community, and until recently, she was a sole caregiver for her husband. They lead by love, and together with their children, The Jeansonne 7, they share their family story to encourage and inspire others within the ALS community. Team Gleason has assisted Brian with voice and message banking, a speech-generating device, and Ability Drive, which enables him to drive his wheelchair with his eyes.

JACOB • WINFIELD, WV

Jacob was diagnosed with ALS at the young age of 23. Now, at 24, Jacob's speech-generating device allows him to reconnect with his friends via social media. His seat elevator allows him to travel with his band and be present at gigs. He loves music, watching sports, and attending outdoor events – all of which his assistive technology allows him to do.

DALE • SANDY, OR

Dave was diagnosed with ALS in 2018. He is a retired firefighter and, prior to the onset of symptoms, was a very active mountain rescue volunteer, skier, and cyclist. Losing the function of his legs put a stop to those activities, but it opened up time for him to pursue woodworking, a long-postponed hobby. He rearranged his workshop to allow wheelchair access to all of the tools, although most of them are designed to be used while standing. The seat elevator for his wheelchair, provided by Team Gleason, allows Dave to safely and effectively use tools and machines that would be otherwise out of reach with a standard chair.