The idiots who thought it would be a good idea to make fun of Steve Gleason’s ALS paid for their lack of judgement and humor with their jobs.
But Gleason himself has taken the high road, accepting the apologies of the idiots in question, calling their contrition “genuine.”
Gleason posted that message on his Facebook page, responding with the kind of grace not everyone could muster (including yours truly).
“Regarding the DJ skit in Atlanta yesterday. I would like to thank the public for their support,” he wrote, with his eyes, since he can’t use his hands because of the disease. “‘Defend Team Gleason’ now has been officially redefined. Additionally, the DJs have provided genuine apology. Received and accepted. We have all made mistakes in this life. How we learn from our mistakes is the measure of who we are.
“I think everyone can learn from this event. Its clear to me that, on a national & global scale, ALS is not understood, which is part of why its under funded and largely ignored. In the past 36 hours lots of people have been talking. Lets talk about this... There are zero treatments for ALS. If you take any action as a result of this event, I prefer it to be action to end ALS. See what we are doing to change that @ teamgleason.org. SG”
Gleason’s work on behalf of others with the disease has been remarkable and uplifting. But his forgiveness might be as impressive, and an example for each of us.