ladrow I just finished watching this movie on Amazon Prime and I can't stop telling all my friends and family about it. I went through about six tissues. Just so moving, adorable, gut wrenching sad, happy, inspirational, just so real! One of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I highly recommend EVERYONE to watch. It will change your life.

TxMike My wife and I found this on Amazon Prime streaming films. She bailed on it about 30 minutes from the end in a particularly difficult scene. It pulls no punches, we get to see exactly what a person goes through in the first few years after early symptoms appear and the diagnosis is made.The subject is Steve Gleason who, after highly successful school and college athletics found himself playing standout pro football for the New Orleans Saints. He was rough and tough, also very intelligent, and seemed to never quit. At age 34 he started having some unusual symptoms and shortly was diagnosed with ALS.(As an aside I just watched 'Concussion' which deals with CTE caused by head trauma that long-time football players experience so I immediately wondered if it could also trigger ALS. The research is ongoing but so far experts in the fields have no evidence of a link.)Most of the film takes place in New Orleans, Steve married Michel Varisco, she of course has a key role in his life and in this documentary. I used to live in the New Orleans area and I recognize Varisco as a genuine family name for that area. Michel was always an energetic and happy person, and for the most part remains that way, but as the film progresses you can see the stress she experiences.When Steve received his diagnosis and his prognosis, not good, he and Michel were determined to have a child, and the result is a boy, Rivers, who it seems inherited most of his physical features from his mom. Much of the film is Steve leaving video for his son so that he will be able to see dad as he was before being debilitated by the disease.Plus the film covers Steve's work to form the foundation that among other things raises money for ALS research, and to lobby Congress for proper medical coverage for ALS victims. It is not a pretty picture, to see a formerly elite athlete deal with his quick degeneration into helplessness, but it does show how one can deal with it, and perhaps a reminder to all that life is precious, always live it as if today were your last. Don't take life, health, and relationships for granted.Steve's dad, Mike Gleason, also had a key role as related to father-son relationships.

Skeauxsha Having been a New Orleans Saints Fan since 1973 I can honestly say that Who-Dats (Saints Fans) live and die by the New Orleans Saints. Watching the events of Katrina unfold, and the rebuilding of the SuperDome one could only, as a Saints Fan hope for a good season. What I am saying is there is always a unique excitement around anything New Orleans. When Steve blocked that punt against The Saints most bitter rival the Falcons for a touchdown I let out a yell that could have shattered glass. Finding out Steve was diagnosed with ALS did shatter that glass.Now my unbiased review of "Gleason". Thank You Steve and Michel for this open look into the life of someone with ALS. Taking the time to document and experience travel, or bucket list, and live the best you can while you can. Even larger continuing to genuinely give of yourself for others. Best of all, giving to your family. All the while the disease progressing and deteriorating a bodies ability to function.Watching the transformation of Steve is very tough, and at times unnerving. Observing Steve and Michel's unwavering honesty is gut wrenching. Reflecting on just how much they both have accomplished through this ordeal is remarkable.Gleason is a clear eyed and excellently presented documentary.

philip Me and my wife went to a show here in New Orleans. Gleason has been a public figure in the city for some time. Living here during his time as player at the Saints we all knew his name. We where aware of his struggles with ALS and even his outreach. This movie takes you on a deep inside look of the life of his family with no filter and uncut realism. Love knows no bounds and as the movies connects you with the struggles of being human you might take a deep look at yourself. I came away from the theater reflecting on what i had done with my life. Feeling more then a bit of guilt for not doing more with what I have. The films very much a first person blog video, something that you could or would expect to find on Youtube. Its amazing the forethought put into capturing life before it becomes a scrip. As things unfold you become aware of the fragility of life and the greatness. I recommend seeing the film and share with friends. We all have something we can do and sacrifice to make the lives of everyone we know better.