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In his documentary, Gleason, J. Clay Tweel successfully captures an accurate account of living with ALS through the use of home videos and his lack of censorship.

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The directors purpose was to raise awareness of ALS and to portray exactly what patients and their families go through.
This can be seen when the director shows the gradual progression of Gleason's ALS and how it frustrates Steve and his family. Another example would be when the director decides to include footage of when his wife and caretaker had to help him use the bathroom. This lack of censorship was used to show all effects of ALS, even if it isn't pretty. Shots of family members breaking down because they're afraid of losing Gleason also portrayed this.

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The film achieved its purpose through techniques such as music, home videos, and the inclusion of Gleason's charity.
Music played a definitive role as the director played sad music when the family first found out about Gleason's ALS  and during life-threatening procedures. This made the audience feel exactly what the music sounded like.
Home videos also helped as it connected the audience to the family. They helped express Gleason's struggles in a very personal way and almost gave the feeling that the audience was going through them as well. This can be seen as the director shows videos of who Gleason was before his diagnosis so the audience feel as if they know him. The director later shows the video of when Gleason was first diagnosed with ALS, making the audience feel even more sympathetic to Gleason.
The inclusion of Gleason's charity implicitly showed the audience a way they can help others with ALS; by donation towards his fund. This can be seen when the director allows Gleason to explain what his charity is for and how health care had no longer provided ALS patients with their needed technology.

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Gleason relates to today's healthcare environment in that in touches on healthcare cuts that affect those who need healthcare most. In the documentary, loss of coverage of speech assistance devices by public healthcare becomes a rallying point for Team Gleason, who try to fill the gap out of pocket by buying these devices for those who need them. This parallels to today as many congress members want to cut back the ACA. This cut back would once again take away benefits from those who need them most.

Gleason also struggled with a balancing act of running his charity while also documenting himself for his son. Personally we would have done the same as him and step back to focus on the video journals. This would allow more focus the original plan and make sure Rivers would have advice and guidance waiting for him after Steve passing.

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Steve Gleason continues to inspire millions because of his giant heart and enormous strength. The Team Gleason Foundation has grown since the premiere of the documentary and a recent summit set a pathway for new treatments and a cure for ALS.

Gleason was nominated for the Satellite Award for Best Documentary Film, Critics' Choice Documentary Award Best Sports Documentary,  Critics' Choice Documentary Award Best Documentary (Theatrical Feature), and Critics' Choice Documentary Award Best Director (Theatrical Feature).

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SPOKANE, Wash. - It was six years ago Spokane native and former NFL star, Steve Gleason, was diagnosed with ALS.

Since then, Gleason has worked to help others live fully despite similar diagnosis. On the anniversary of that diagnosis that robbed Gleason of virtually all movement, he wanted you to know he loves his life and hopes his story will help you remember to love your life too.

"I feel purposeful and fulfilled with where I am," Gleason said in an audio file he sent to KREM 2 News. "I'm excited about what is ahead."

This is not to say that Gleason always felt that way about his sometimes brutally painful journey.

"There were days in the past when I was so frustrated and hopeless, I felt death might be a welcome alternative to this life. Those hopeless days are behind me," he said.

In a note posted on his Twitter account Thursday, Gleason shared his thoughts on the incurable disease that robs him of ability to move.

"I know ALS is a remorseless and humiliating disease," he wrote. "It can leave its victims in a pathetic, silent, purposeless heap of flesh. It can annihilate families. Spouses become unrecognizable to each other, veiled in frustration, anger, and shame."

In the midst of adversity, Gleason found purpose pouring his energy into Team Gleason. Among other things, his non-profit organization helps people with similar diagnosis continue crucial communication through technology.

Gleason and his wife Michel also used technology to preserve memories of their journey for their young son, Rivers. They soon realized their intimate family footage might benefit an audience beyond the three of them.

"We thought our situation, which we had filmed so honestly for our son Rivers, could benefit any person who has experience life's adversity," Gleason said.

That desire grew into "Gleason" the brutally honest documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

I think people want to go see @gleasonmovie this weekend, but are a bit hesitant. I have this message for them:
-SG pic.twitter.com/uiCyWT9Lzo
- Steve Gleason (@TeamGleason) August 12, 2016

Michel said over the summer while it was important for them to be transparent in the movie, it was not easy to lift the curtain.

"Steve and I were both super apprehensive going into Sundance," she said. "You know, what are we doing? What are we doing this for? This is crazy. We're about to show this whole room of people this movie and it's our lives."

The documentary has gone on to win several awards and now sits on the short list for a potential Academy Award nomination.

Gleason said he has remained active in his son's life and does not let ALS keep him from doing what he loves.

"I pick [Rivers] up from school every day. I do lunch duty twice a month. I go to all his practices, and help put him to sleep at night," he wrote.

There is no cure for ALS but Gleason said he hopes that with the help of generous donors and other technology firms that Team Gleason will be able to provide the resources for others to be fellow conquerors.

"While I intend to continue living a meaningful life for decades, I understand that my timeline is fragile, just like you," he wrote.

"I don't pray for a life without suffering, I pray for the strength to understand, while living triumphantly above the suffering."

Gleason ended his note with the same message he began it with.

"Six years after being handed a terminal diagnosis know this," Gleason said, "I am happy."

Six years ago today, I was diagnosed with ALS. Here are my thoughts:
-SG
"... I am happy." pic.twitter.com/yTV6Ad9fqi
- Steve Gleason (@TeamGleason) January 6, 2017

© 2017 KREM-TV

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Steve Gleason six years after ALS diagnosis,

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SPOKANE, Wash. - It was six years ago Spokane native and former NFL star, Steve Gleason, was diagnosed with ALS. Since then, Gleason has worked to help others live fully despite similar diagnosis.