TheFalconRises Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank proved Friday that charity trumps divisional rivalries. Blank donated $100,000 through his foundation to The Gleason Initiative Foundation, which aims to raise public awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Steve Gleason, who started the foundation while fighting ALS, played safety for the New Orleans Saints from 2000-2007, battling against Blank's Falcons twice a year. The Falcons owner spoke about his impetus to contribute to Gleason's foundation. "Steve Gleason's story touched me as a father and recent cancer survivor," Blank said, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. "Stories like his bring into focus what is truly important. His story is about a life that was dramatically changed by a disease, and how he has courageously chosen to face it. It's about family and what is most important in life - more important than any game, any play or any rivalry ever will be." Gleason was touched by Blank's donation, and also pointed out that his awareness transcends the long-standing NFC South rivalry. Steve Gleason ✔@TeamGleason Thanks @AtlantaFalcons owner Arthur Blank & wife Angie for your generous contribution! Yes, life is greater than any rivalry.#NoWhiteFlags 7:39 PM - 12 Aug 2016 196196 Retweets 632632 likes "Gleason," a documentary about the former safety's life, is airing in select theaters across North America. Falcons owner Blank donates $100K to Steve Gleason's foundationhttp://www.thescore.com/news/1076723 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironhead1956 Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Yes, he is class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
octoslash Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 My friend's father died from ALS. It's as cruel a way to die as nature has so far come up with. I think if my doctor told me I had it, I'd end up eating a bullet or something because no way in heII do I have the guts to endure such a rough deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndySG Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Some things are much more important than sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vafalconfan Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffro2000 Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 2 hours ago, octoslash said: My friend's father died from ALS. It's as cruel a way to die as nature has so far come up with. I think if my doctor told me I had it, I'd end up eating a bullet or something because no way in heII do I have the guts to endure such a rough deal. I've stated before, if ALS were to happen to me, then move to a state where assisted suicide/euthanasia, whatever it is called is legal. That is selfish, and I/family probably wouldn't go through with it, but It is a horrible disease. Respect for guys like Gleason, Ice Bucket challenge guy, and so many others who fight it and bring awareness to it. Obviously, something's are much bigger than football in life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GleasonForever! Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Best news to me this whole offseason. Keep fighting Gleason. I will too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HASHBROWN3 Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Amen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crimsonhawk Posted August 13, 2016 Share Posted August 13, 2016 Class act, through and through. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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