I want you all to know that most of these pictures were stolen from Keri! I took a lot of the same pictures but hers just look so much better I couldn't resist. Thanks Keri!
Wow! What an event! At least 4,000 people came out to support Stephen, Michel and Rivers! The money raised went to the Gleason Family Trust and to ALS research! We need that cure! So many activities happening in Champion Square. There were bands! The gentleman with the microphone is Paul Varisco, Michel's dad.
Julie Varisco on the right, Vinnie's wife and Michel's sister in law!
This event filled all of Champion Square right outside the Superdome!
Sweet little Rivers sleeping through all the noise, cheering, and music!
This is part of the crowd. Keri is taking the picture inside the VIP area and the bands are to her back!
The VIP area also included a room with beautiful lighting. Fancy furniture too.
The VIP room had different restaurants from New Orleans serving up yummy food all around the perimeter of the room.
An auction for several different things. I bid on the Kyle Turley jersey for my sister but the bidding got a little steep for my budget!
Every football was unique. Different signatures but all of the signatures were Saints players. $200.00 for a ball!
Sean Payton and Drew Brees signed guitar. It is a raffle and I think the raffle tickets are on sale on the Saints website.
The favorite Saint!
More auction items!
Fancy jacket. We saw all kinds of Saints garb!
Look closely at this picture. Can you see Stephen's signature in the middle of the picture. Can you see the statue under the signature? That statue of the blocked punt is being made and will sit right in front of the Superdome! That blocked punt really was huge to New Orleans!
More bands. I didn't get the name of all of them! That security guard in the yellow jacket looks a little scary!
Keri took these pictures right when we got to the event. The crowd was gathering.
There was a kids area. Fun football things for the little ones to try!
Gotta have our pictures with Dree Brees. Ok, it wasn't the real Drew Brees!
Keri's media pass given to her by one of the kind photographers at the event!
Mike, Jackie, Kyle!
Stephen talked to many people who came and were fighting ALS. This was so moving to me. Steve was so encouraging to all these people and he listened so carefully to what they had to say. Tears! Steve really does have a calling to encourage, inspire, and love people!
Jill Varisco, Michel's mom, Keri, Mike, Jackie, and Kyle!
This is a bigger picture of the VIP room. It got pretty cold outside so it was nice to be able to come inside and warm up!
There were different sayings on the glass pillars!
Sweet Michel! She is inspiring because she is so giving! Also, Michel has more energy than anyone I know. Take care of yourself Michel!
AHHH! Baby Rivers!
Kyle Turley (former Saint) sang at Gleason Gras. He is good!
More pictures of the crowd. Can't remember what everyone was looking at! Maybe Keri does. She took the picture!
Steve talking with a smiling lady who has been diagnosed with ALS!
More inspiration and encouragement from Stephen!
Favorite sticker ever!
Here are some pictures of family and friends!
There is so much love between these two brothers. They are a team and for as long as I have been part of their lives that has been the case.
OK, the start of the mustache contest! Stephen, Kyle and William
What do you think of this mustache?
HMMM! A lady with a mustache? Something is up here! Kyle is giving the situation his full attention.
Some more of the contestants!
Ah, the lady mustache is drawn on. Disqualified! Stephen and William picked the two finalists and then the crowd chose the winner!
Lilly wanted to be involved in the contest. She is one of River's cousins. Pretty darn cute!
Paul's mustache looks pretty good I would say but he is part of the family so disqualified!
Give it up for your favorite mustache!
Great band here. Wish I knew their name.
Rockin' Keri!
Along with all the fun came a lot of emotions. Part of me wished Gleason Gras never had to happen. No t-shirts, no bands, no food. Thinking that doesn't change anything so it was important to be in the moment and think about all the good that was happening at Gleason Gras! I remember telling Stephen this summer how sorry I was that he was going through this. He said, "It is what it is"! That is the truth. Stephen has been a great example for all of us and has shown us how important it is to live life the best you can no matter what. This little girl really touched our hearts. She had a card with the Saints logo she had made on the front. Inside it said, "Don't worry God is with you". AMEN little one. You said it all. I looked at Kyle and Keri and saw their tears and felt my own coming on. We hugged!
Julie and Keri! Beauties. Between Keri and I there are no pictures of Hilary! Sorry Hilary. Hilary is Michel's sister-in-law also!
Here is my pass that Jill was so kind to give me.
Someone, Keri and Kyle! :-)
The elder Gleasons!
Mike and Kyle! They look alike don't they!
Here is Stephen talking to the kicker for the Saints!
Michel and Stephen!
This is Kyle and his cousin.
A little chat with Drew Brees!
Drew Brees and his wife with Stephen and Michel!
Keri found someone with the Cougar Team Gleason shirt on! Love her expression. I wonder why Ryland and Easton like to make funny faces at the camera???
HAHA
Yes, Patti this is Kyle Turley and Jackie again!
More family!
Mike and Vinnie ( Michel's brother)!
Sean Payton was at Gleason Gras. He closed it up with some words about Stephen and knocking out ALS.
What a day. Gleason Gras was from 11 AM to 6 PM. It went fast. The New Orleans community has really rallied around Stephen and Michel. Michel's family is doing so much too. They are a wonderful family and I am happy I know them! I pray for Stephen everyday. It doesn't do any good to ask WHY? There is no answer to that but sometimes it is hard not to go there. Sometimes I can't help sobbing. Someone can just mention my family and the tears come. I think the tears are important and real! Most of the time though I think about how Michel and Stephen are living their life. If you just watch them you will see determination, inspiration, and fight! There is no givin' up in those two. I love you both and am so proud of the people you are.
This is part of the crowd. Keri is taking the picture inside the VIP area and the bands are to her back!
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