Steve and Michel Gleason Receive 2022 Annie Glenn Award

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Steve and Michel Gleason receive the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) most prestigious public honor, the Annie Glenn Award, at the ASHA Convention in New Orleans.

After Steve was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, the Gleasons created the Team Gleason Foundation, which provides equipment, technology, services, care, and life-changing adventures for people living with the disease.

Prior to his diagnosis, Steve played football for the New Orleans Saints and blocked a punt the night the New Orleans Superdome reopened after Hurricane Katrina. The feat was widely celebrated as a rallying point for the city, which was recovering from the storm. Upon receiving his ALS diagnosis, Steve vowed there would be “no white flags,” refusing to give up on himself, his family, or others living with ALS. “No white flags” eventually became the rallying cry for many—including Team Gleason.

Named for Annie Glenn, ASHA’s Annie Award honors those who have made a positive impact on the lives of people with communication disorders. Mrs. Glenn, who experienced a severe stutter well into her adult years, was a lifelong champion for people with speech, language, and hearing disorders.