KXLY viewers make a difference for Team Gleason | Community Spirit

Today, the clicking and liking paid off. Today, kxly4's Nadine Woodward handed over a check made out to the Gleason Initiative Foundation to the tune of more than $1,600. All the money raised came from one simple act: people clicked 'like' on KXLY's Facebook in March.

You answered the call after we presented the story of Spokane native Steve Gleason.

Gleason, a Gonzaga Prep grad and WSU football and baseball standout, made a name for himself on the national scale as a special teams standout for the New Orleans Saints. Last year, the seemingly invincible young man was nearly stopped in his tracks by a devastating diagnosis. Gleason has ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. We sat down with him in late February and he shared his story. So many of you wanted to help. So many of you stepped up.

For every new 'like' on the KXLY's Facebook  in March, we donated a quarter to Team Gleason. Today's check, presented to Steve's dad Mike Gleason, was the result of those efforts. But, it's not enough. Team Gleason needs your support to help Steve with his mission. He's determined to find a cure, but also to help those living with ALS live fully, despite losing the things the rest of us take for granted.

Just yesterday, he posted this video of himself getting a feeding tube at a New Orleans hospital. Through it all, he manages to see the beauty in the world around him.

We need to help Steve - now. He is not giving up and continues to find strength and inspiration. The least we can do is help this "local boy" save the world.

Thanks to Steve, Michel, Rivers and the rest of Team Gleason for opening their lives and sharing their story. Thanks to anyone who liked us in March, so we could pass on some love to Team Gleason. Now, go further. Visit TeamGleason.Org and buy your shirts or donate some money. The mantra is "No White Flags" - let's get started.