Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason, who is battling ALS, was forced to move to a hospital as Hurricane Francine approached Louisiana. Gleason's family announced that he was taken to Ochsner Medical Center with the assistance of the New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans EMS.
As Hurricane Francine barreled down on Louisiana, former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason, who is battling ALS, was forced to be evacuated to a hospital for his safety. Gleason's family shared an update on his condition via his Twitter account, stating that he had been moved to Ochsner Medical Center.
Former Saints Safety Steve Gleason Hospitalized Due to Hurricane Francine
"For those who have asked, Steve was taken to Ochsner last night during the storm," the post read. "He is now stable. We want to thank @NOLAFireDept first responders and @NewOrleansEMS for getting to us during unsafe circumstances and to the @OchsnerHealth staff for their immediate care."
Gleason's publicist, Clare Durrett, provided ESPN with further details regarding his condition. She revealed that Gleason was suffering from a fever and extremely low blood pressure, prompting his doctor to recommend hospitalization. However, the approaching Category 2 Hurricane Francine posed a significant challenge.
Former Saints Safety Steve Gleason Hospitalized Due to Hurricane Francine
"They immediately stabilized him and transported him to Ochsner," Durrett told ESPN. "He remains there and stable. He's continuing to be treated, and we are hopeful Steve will do what Steve does and warrior through to get home as quickly as possible."
Gleason's family expressed their gratitude for the support and love they have received during this challenging time. In a statement from Gleason shared on Twitter, he acknowledged the challenges of living with ALS and expressed his appreciation for the support he has received.
Former Saints Safety Steve Gleason Hospitalized Due to Hurricane Francine
"ALS is a hurricane of a disease, and on 9/11 in the midst of Hurricane Francine, power outages, & sketchy phone service, hurricane ALS made landfall," Gleason wrote. "Thank you for the powerful love and support from all of you."
Gleason played seven seasons with the Saints from 2000 to 2006, recording 71 total tackles in 83 games. He announced his battle with ALS in 2011 and has since become an inspiration to many. In 2019, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and earlier this year, he received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
