Loyola to host ‘no white flags’ talk by Steve Gleason

By Clarion Herald Staff

In honor of National Disability Awareness Month, Loyola University New Orleans will host a keynote address Oct. 16 by former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason on his fight against the neuromuscular disease ALS and his advocacy for others afflicted with the disease.

Gleason’s talk, entitled “No White Flags: A Story of Disability and Perseverance,”
will be Oct. 16 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Nunemaker Auditorium, Monroe Hall, third floor, 6363 St. Charles Ave. The talk is free and open to the public.

Gleason will speak for 45 minutes and take questions after his talk. A reception will follow. Guests are asked to RSVP to [email protected] if special accommodations are needed.

Gleason was diagnosed in January 2011 with ALS, considered a terminal neuromuscular disease. Gleason and his wife Michel formed “Team Gleason” to help hundreds of people with ALS experience adventures they never thought possible after their diagnosis. The couple was at the center of the recently released documentary, “Gleason,” which was heralded at the Sundance Film Festival.

“The goal of this month is to educate the public about disability issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities,” said Brad Petitfils, senior director of Institutional Research and Student Success at Loyola. “A disability is a not a barrier, it’s a challenge. Some challenges are visible and some are not. Some challenges are occasional and some are constant. All demand a struggle to overcome.”