pALS Newsletter - August 2021
Hello, Sunshine! We hope you've been enjoying your Summer so far. The Olympics just wrapped up and we came out on top...go Team USA!
We are excited to share our Summer newsletter filled with information, tips, and stories. Part of our mission at Team Gleason is to be a resource and connect with pALS and cALS around the country.
In this issue, you'll meet our spectacular interns who make the world go round, read an amazing story from one of our pALS, and watch a fun video about our latest summer beach Adventure!
We've also included a Hurricane Preparedness Guide to help you get through any upcoming storms during Hurricane Season.

Staff Highlight: Team Gleason Interns
Would anything ever get done without our amazing interns? From researching to providing support to handling tech and equipment, our duo of interns have been instrumental in helping Team Gleason this year. Currently studying Biomedical Engineering at Tulane University, our interns Liandra and McKinney are taking what they learn with us to create a year-long engineering project. 

Meet Liandra Niyah

Liandra's favorite part of interning with Team Gleason is how involved our staff is with our pALS. From contacting them for devices to meeting them in person, Liandra loves the personal connections we create with families. Her biggest takeway this year has been how involved the ALS community is with each other, not only to provide resources, but to one day discover a cure. "I am passionate about bringing engineering and public health together. To be able to work on making health care and medical devices accessible for those with ALS is amazing."

Meet McKinney Tropea

Wanting to move into the non-profit sector, McKinney says that Team Gleason was the perfect fit for her internship. Her mother has worked with ALS patients, so she was already› familiar with the disease. McKinney says her time with Team Gleason has shaped how she wants to work going forward. "I really love the environment of Team Gleason. Having each team member so involved in every aspect of the organization really allows people to build connections. Team Gleason treats everyone with respect and kindness, really taking the time to listen to pALs, cALS, and their needs."

Virtual Zoom Gatherings


Join our next Team Gleason Virtual Zoom Gathering for both those living with ALS and their caregivers.
We are inviting anyone - no matter where you live!
First Thursday of Every Month at 12pm CST.

If you would like to be invited to participate in one, please email kelly@teamgleason.org.

pALS Testimonial


"I am proud to say that Ken’s Permobil Power Wheelchair arrived and it has given him legs! We are so grateful to Team Gleason for the seat elevator. The elevator has helped him with transfers from bed to chair, chair to lift chair. The lift also gives him enough height to pull up to the kitchen bar and stand for just a moment to help get him dressed. Without this feature, he would already need to use the hoyer lift to accomplish these things. It has given him some independence for a little bit longer. Thank you Team Gleason for all that you do!"
- Ken and Chris T., Florence, MS

Summer Beach Adventure 
It was a week of live music, warm sand, and a whole lot of love for Paul Morgan. Team Gleason was able to help Paul, his wife Kristy, and their family go on a week-long Adventure to the Moon Crush Music Festival.

Thanks to the support of our generous donors, we were able to assist with both the cost of the concert tickets and accommodations for this Adventure. Team Gleason helped coordinate a week-long stay in an accessible condo for the group of 15. This close-knit group of friends have been there for Paul throughout his diagnosis with support and helping out at home; this was the perfect way to give thanks and have some much-needed fun. Even Paul’s mother could be there, making the trip a perfect blend of family and friends.
Read the Full Story
Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Hurricanes are strong storms that cause life and property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane.
We know living with ALS adds more stress and the need for extra preparation during Hurricane Season. We urge you to have your plan ready - and we've put together some resources to assist you.
Start Preparing Today
Know the Difference
Hurricane Watch—Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.
Hurricane Warning—Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.
Print Your Hurricane Check List & Tips

We did it! Over 100,000 Phrases Recorded!

With help from pALS country-wide, and in collaboration with the Power of Voice Coalition, Team Gleason has recorded over 100,000 phrases for Google’s Project Euphonia, an early-stage research effort to improve speech recognition software so people with impaired speech can be understood by—and access—technology. We want to thank everyone involved in helping us reach this major milestone, including the numerous pALS who have dedicated their time to help accelerate research to create more inclusive voice recognition technology. We also want to thank our fellow members of the Power of Voice Coalition for their combined efforts: CureDuchenne, Two Disabled Dudes, and Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance.
Participate in Google’s Project Euphonia

Choose to Reuse


To return or donate equipment please contact returns@teamgleason.org so we can best assist with the logistics of the return or donation. If we are able to accept the donation then Team Gleason will email prepaid shipping labels for the boxes.

We are your support team.
If you'd like to share a story about your experience with Team Gleason or how we have supported you in your ALS journey, please email pals@teamgleason.org.
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