Steve Gleason Honored at Permobil Foundation Fundraiser

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Oct 26, 2021

Permobil Foundation gave Steve Gleason its 2021 Hero’s Award during its annual fundraiser at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.

The Roll the Dice event raised more than $70,000 for Permobil Foundation, which provides mobility for people with disabilities and also works with non-profit disability organizations across the United States.

Gleason, a former football player for the New Orleans Saints, is co-founder of Team Gleason, an organization that helps people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and supports the development of assistive technology that can optimize their independence. Gleason was diagnosed with ALS in 2011.

As he received the Hero’s Award, Gleason said, “I don’t see myself as a hero. But for me, Permobil and the Foundation, and all the people who make it possible for me to roll through this life – they are the heroes.”

Former Hero’s Award winners include Eric LeGrand, Rhonda Clark, Todd Stabelfeldt, and Charlie Ray Howell.

Complex Rehab Technology and accessibility industry sponsors for the fundraiser included LUCI, National Seating & Mobility, Permobil, Reliable Medical, Rollx Vans, and U.S. Rehab. The Tennessee Titans, who play in Nissan Stadium, also sponsored the event.

Photo: Blu Sanders