A Life Impossible

Living with ALS: Finding Peace and Wisdom Within a Fragile Existence

By: Steve Gleason, Jeff Duncan

Narrated by: Daniel Cummings

From NFL player Steve Gleason, a powerful, inspiring memoir of love, heartbreak, resilience, family, and remarkable triumph in the face of ALS

"Gleason is a symbol of resilience, hope and optimism.”—The New York Times • "Steve Gleason has changed the world."–Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner • "An extraordinary book...A Life Impossible will change the way people cope, think, and live."–Mike Lupica, co-author with James Patterson of 12 Months to Live

In 2011, three years after leaving the NFL, Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, a terminal disease that takes away the ability to move, talk, and breathe. Doctors gave him three years to live. He was thirty-three years old. As Steve says, he is now ten years past his expiration date.

His memoir is the chronicle of a remarkable life, one filled with optimism and joy, despite the trauma and pain and despair he has experienced. Writing using eye-tracking technology, Gleason covers his pre-ALS life through the highs and lows of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, where he made one of the most memorable plays in Saints history, leading to a victory in the first post-Katrina home game, uplifting the city, making him a hero, and reflected in a nine-foot bronze statue outside the Superdome. Then came his heartbreaking diagnosis. Gleason lost all muscle function, he now uses Stephen Hawking-like technology to communicate, and breathes with the help of a ventilator. This book captures Gleason and his wife Michel’s unmatched resilience as they reinvent their lives, refuse to succumb to despair, and face his disease realistically and existentially.

This unsparing portrait argues that a person's true strength does not reside solely in one’s body but also in the ability to face unfathomable adversity and still be able to love and treasure life.

©2023 Steve Gleason and Jeff Duncan (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Steve and Michel Gleason have helped ease suffering and restore hope for countless families grappling with ALS. In the face of unrelenting adversity, they’re teaching us all what it means to show up and fight for others."—Bill Gates

"Steve Gleason stands for hope, and he stands for infinite possibilities.”–Drew Brees, former New Orleans Saints quarterback

“Steve Gleason has proven to be a great man, a great partner and father, and a truly great competitor. . . . His battles are daily and his victories are to be celebrated. . . . The same goes for this book. It is not written by a mere mortal, but a true hero whose wisdom is hard-earned and his generosity a public service. I love and admire him, deeply.”—Eddie Vedder

The honesty of the raw emotions of the Author makes this book so great.

This book is takes you into the darkness of living with a progressive condition without pretending that everything works out. It also offers you a lot to think about when you are faced with something which questions your whole identity. It explains how true acceptance is not defeat but is the real triumph.

Courage

An inspiring, intelligent, and well written memoir A must read for any sports or music fan.

Simply Beautiful

Thank you Steve for living a life of significance and meaning. God Bless You and your family.

The good the bad and the ugly

I enjoyed the book and found the deep thinking that Mr Gleason shared healing and satisfying. I felt he was very revealing and that took a lot of courage! A lot of courage. I am so thankful that you, Mr Gleason, decided to take a spin on our planet. We are all better because of you and your loving family and friends. Thank you for sharing.

Brutally Honest

Steve, while in the process of dying from an incurable disease, provided a blueprint on how to live.

Can’t say enough

If you work in health care and/or are seeking to renew your purpose this book is for you. Steve, you are the most resilient, loving person & I thank you for sharing your life experiences with me. I am changed for the better.

Gleason's story is inspirational

The performance by the person reading while book phenomenally brought all the emotions Steve was trying to express to life.

Well told

incredible story about determination, love, and success against all odds. And his love of New Orleans

A life possible

Not only is this a very well written book. The story is fascinating. You will also believe and practice that everything is possible

Powerful

Steven, thank you for sharing your personal life with us. This is a powerful story!