Sometimes it is hard to find words! As we arrived early at Gleason Fest and I looked around I was overwhelmed. People everywhere setting things up, busy, busy, busy. All giving their time and talents for Team Gleason, for ALS patients, for Steve Gleason, for the Gleason family. I thank you!
The Galunas family came after a busy day to support! You are an amazing family and I thank you for all the support you have given to this cause and to me personally! NO White Flags!
Band number one of many started the day off. The crowd grew as the day progressed.
You go Kyle! It was so good to see Kyle. Love you Kyle!
I volunteered to sell some shirts at the beginning of the event. The shirts went fast. The shirts were fabulous. Spokane was represented and they even had a tiny sketch of the blocked punt.
Two handsome gents! See the shirt? Kyle has it on!
We added another Gleason in this picture!
Ok...the best people ever. Nola and Wayne, our neighbors. They have the most giving hearts! We are blessed, truly blessed to live next door to them! Their giving and caring is never ending.
We can always count on the Doolittles to come and support. The Team Gleason virtual walk, the ALS walk, Gleason Fest, they are always there! Check out the kids shirts!
The Mikes!
Lex and Mike! Lex and my daughters are buddies!
The crowd kept growing! What great support!
We have to have a food picture of Mike right?
Two special people. Jennifer's mom as ALS! She did the Coeur d 'alene Ironman to honor her mother.
Benny and Kyle. Angels both of them. Helping Steve along his path. Benny flew in from New Orleans to help Steve.
J.D. and Mike. J.D. always makes me laugh! He should live in Spokane!
Steve arrived at Gleason Fest and was having trouble with his computer. It took him a while to settle in.
Everywhere! Gleason jerseys, Gleason shirts, Team Gleason hats, wristbands!
Still working on the computer!
The crowd kept growing and people settled in to listen to the music, see friends, see Steve!
Mike, John, Paco, and Mr. Gleason!
All kinds of booths. Want a henna tattoo the says NO White Flags? Done!
Tacos anyone?
Mike, Mariane and the Wards.
This was my favorite band and no I don't remember their name. I had never heard of any of these bands. Loved all the stringed instruments.
Nick and his family received some money from The Gleason Initiative Foundation to help with the cost of converting their van. Nick was diagnosed with ALS right around the same time Steve was. They got to meet each other!
Nick's dad Robert, Stephani (Nick's wife), Nolan, Nick
It was so good to see Emily and Rick at Gleason Fest. Mike and I both appreciate you coming!
Brothers! Kyle was working hard this whole weekend getting things set up!
Ok, this is a precious picture. These guys aren't all in the same place very often. Love all three of you!
This is Mike's cousin Bobby. They reconnected at Gleason Fest after many years. I am so glad! family is important.
Raffle time! An autographed football, Steve's autograph!
Serious relaxing going on!
As it got closer to dark I looked up on the side of the building! No White Flags in lights!
Now the crowd is big, very big!
There were people with hula hoops, frisbees, and more. It was just a great neighborhood party!
Time to say goodbye. We went down to the Davenport on Sunday afternoon to send Steve off. I love to see that smile!
Father and son!
What a support crew! Family and good friends all there to see Steve off to his home in New Orleans.
Back to Michel and Rivers! Mike and I had a lot of tears this weekend. Tears of thankfulness for the support of Team Gleason, tears of sorrow because we want things to be different, tears full of love and gratitude for those who surround Steve Michel and Rivers. Mike and I pray everyday for a miraculous healing for Steve, we pray for treatments to be discovered, we pray for a cure!
This is what I know. ALS is a terrible disease. It takes away your body. It takes away your life. One thing it can't take away is your spirit. A spirit that thrives in Steve Gleason everyday. NO WHITE FLAGS!
