Former professional football player Steve Gleason will meet with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell Tuesday to discuss amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The meeting will take place at the office of Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) prior to the State of the Union address, which Gleason will attend as Vitter’s guest, Vitter’s office announced.
Gleason, who played safety for the New Orleans Saints, revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2011. The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s, is a terminal neurodegenerative condition that causes paralysis.
No longer able to walk or speak in his own voice, Gleason has sought to raise awareness about ALS with his non-profit organization, Team Gleason.
“Meeting with Burwell directly will really help bring more attention to ALS, and all the great work Team Gleason does to help folks with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives,” Vitter said in a statement Monday.