SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane native and former NFL star Steve Gleason expressed his pride in fellow Gonzaga Prep alumnus Anne McClain during a video chat on Wednesday.
Gleason, who has ALS, has made significant strides to provide ALS patients with technology that improves their lives through his organization Team Gleason.
Though Gleason and McClain both attended Gonzaga Prep, they have never met in person.
Now McClain is entering her third month aboard the International Space Station. She took about an hour for students to ask her questions during a live video chat.
Near the end of the chat, a teacher walked to the camera and said someone special had a question for her. That is when McClain heard a recorded question from Steve, as NASA does not allow photos or videos during the sessions.
“Hi there Anne, this is Steve Gleason. First off, I just quickly want to say how proud I am of your dedication, your perseverance, your resilience, and your discipline to achieve what I think is a remarkable accomplishment. Thanks for your inspiration,” Gleason said in the video.
KREM’s Shayna Waltower was in the room and saw Gleason’s words bring McClain to tears.
“My question for you, Anne, is since you’ve been up in the space station, I’m assuming you’ve gained some new perspective,” Gleason said. “If possible, can you share with me how your perspective has changed, not only your perspective on humanity as a whole has changed, but also how your perspective on life has changed?”
“Thanks again, Anne. We’re proud of you,” Gleason continued.
McClain stuttered, searching for an answer to his question. She finally said that the earth is “really very small…and that love through humanity is able to connect us all.”
McClain is set to return to earth in June. She says she hopes to finally meet Steve when she returns.
