How an Ex-NFL Player’s Inspiring Book and Letters Motivate Health Sciences Students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2025) – In just four days, the Super Bowl LIX will light up New Orleans. This year’s game is special for the fans, especially one particular supporter. Steve Gleason, a former safety for the New Orleans Saints, will be watching from home. Although the Saints didn’t make it to the big game, Gleason’s spirit remains strong. He has faced challenges since his ALS diagnosis over ten years ago, and now he can no longer blink. Yet, despite his struggles, he continues to inspire others.

Students at the College of Health Sciences at the University of Kentucky, far from New Orleans, have learned about Gleason and his journey. Those who had never heard of him are now touched by his story.

A New Perspective

Paetyn Ashcraft, a junior studying Human Health Sciences, felt overwhelmed when she saw her course syllabus. The requirements seemed daunting, especially with her challenging schedule. “I thought, ‘Oh my goodness…’” she recalled. “I wasn’t sure how I’d manage.” But everything changed when she learned about Gleason’s life.

His memoir, “A Life Impossible,” became a focal point in her class, and it shifted her view on healthcare. Hearing about Gleason’s struggles and resilience opened her eyes. “I feel like my whole mindset changed,” Ashcraft said. “It gave me a new appreciation for my studies.”

The Battle with ALS

Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2011. This progressive neurodegenerative disease starts with muscle weakness and leads to a loss of ability to perform basic tasks. For someone who once played football at the highest level, the diagnosis was shocking.

Known for his unforgettable blocked punt in 2006, Gleason became a symbol of hope for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. His story didn’t end with his diagnosis; it was just the beginning of his fight for awareness and advocacy.

“I didn’t want to fade away quietly,” Gleason said in a documentary. He refused to let his condition define him.

Inspiring Others

Dr. Karen Skaff, who teaches Ashcraft’s Ethics in Healthcare Practice class, decided to include Gleason’s book in the curriculum after learning more about his journey. “Students have no idea what it’s like to care for someone with such a condition,” she explained. “Gleason’s story helps illustrate the reality of that experience.”

Gleason’s life took many turns after his diagnosis. He became a father to two children and co-founded Team Gleason, a nonprofit that assists people with ALS. His advocacy earned him numerous accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal.

Now 47 years old and unable to speak, Gleason uses a special device to communicate. Nonetheless, he still found a way to share his story through his memoir published in 2024.

“It’s an amazing book,” Skaff remarked. “I couldn’t put it down.”

Meaningful Discussions

During the fall semester, Skaff required her class to read Gleason’s book. The discussions that followed were rich and enlightening, touching on ethical dilemmas like end-of-life care and decisions about future children when facing a terminal illness. Ashcraft found these insights particularly impactful.

“I didn’t know someone could have hope while battling such a tough disease,” she reflected. “That’s what stood out to me.”

Reading about Gleason’s experiences reshaped how Ashcraft views her future in medicine. For instance, she learned to recognize the importance of listening to patients’ needs. “Each patient is different,” she added, contemplating how vital it is for medical practitioners to adapt to each individual’s situation.

Furthermore, the ethical challenges Gleason faced forced her to confront real-world scenarios she hadn’t considered before. Making choices about treatment and quality of life reveals the emotional weight carried by families affected by severe illness.

As Ashcraft and her classmates completed their assignments, their feedback was powerful. “This book is changing lives,” Skaff noted. Many students expressed gratitude for how Gleason’s journey has influenced their understanding of healthcare.

Welcoming Feedback

Ashcraft was thankful for the opportunity to explore Gleason’s memoir. She wrote, “It is crucial for future students to read this book—there’s so much wisdom to gain.” Later, Skaff shared the students’ heartfelt emails with Gleason’s wife, who delivered them to him.

Gleason was deeply touched by the responses. “It’s humbling to know my story is shared in classrooms,” he replied. He believes that storytelling can foster connection and understanding, particularly in healthcare, where empathy is essential.

A Lasting Impact

After receiving such positive feedback, Skaff plans to make Gleason’s book a mainstay in her courses. “His work continues to resonate,” she said. “As long as people read his story, he will keep inspiring others.”

For Ashcraft, Gleason’s journey will remain a guiding light as she moves forward in her healthcare career. She believes that adopting his attitude could indeed make the world a better place. “His courage is empowering,” she concluded, reflecting on the lessons he has imparted through his remarkable life.