Gleason

Who it's for

Gleason refuses the tidy inspiration narrative.

Feelings it meets

• Chronic Illness
• Parenting Under Stress
• Caregiving Strain
• Grief
• Mortality
• Family Roles

What it is

Gleason is a 2016 documentary directed by Clay Tweel about former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Covering several years, it follows the disease's progression, his move to assistive communication technology, and family life with his wife Michel and their son Rivers, whose birth was filmed.

Where to find it

Prime Video (Amazon Studios release). Streaming availability rotates; check JustWatch.

Before you start

Heads up: Progressive decline from ALS.

Age: Not verified (suggested 15+)

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.Helen Keller, Optimism: An Essay