Guest MMQB: Steve Gleason on his life with ALS, mission for a cure

Michel and I made some decisions. We were passionate about having a child. And so Rivers was born in October 2011. Ten months after my diagnosis. I was a few

Steve Gleason laughs with his wife, Michel, and son, Rivers :: Gerald Herbert/AP

Michel and I made some decisions. We were passionate about having a child. And so Rivers was born in October 2011. Ten months after my diagnosis. I was a few months from completing my MBA at Tulane University. I was passionate about the courses, and made some friends for life during my time there. I chose to finish. I love adventure travel. So, Michel and I bought a sports mobile (think of a camper van on steroids) we nicknamed the Ironhorse, and drove from New Orleans to Alaska and back. I thought I could help other people live with ALS, so we started a non-profit dedicated to that.

Steve Gleason enjoys quality time with his son Rivers / Courtesy of Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason's punt block in the Saints' 2006 return to the Superdome, one of the franchise's signature moments, was memorialized with a statue :: John Korduner/Icon SMI

Team Gleason is deeply committed to helping people with ALS live productive, inspired lives by providing access to life-affirming events and assistive technology until a cure is found.

Steve Gleason, son Rivers and former Saints teammate Scott Fujita traveling in Machu Picchu / Courtesy of Steve Gleason

Steve Gleason, surrounded by wife Michel and son Rivers / Courtesy of Steve Gleason

10. I think the acronym for this column should be MMQ. Quarterback is one word.