Steve Gleason stable, recovering at hospital after medical event - ESPN

Former New Orleans Saints safety and ALS advocate Steve Gleason is stable and recovering at a local hospital after a medical event earlier this week, according to his publicist Clare Durrett.

Durrett said Gleason spiked a fever and extremely low blood pressure on Wednesday, prompting his physician to suggest he be taken to a hospital.

However, this was after Hurricane Francine, a Category 2 storm, made landfall near Morgan City, Louisiana, with sustained winds of almost 100 mph. Nearly 390,000 residents across Louisiana lost power, and New Orleans and surrounding areas experienced some street flooding.

Durrett said there was a concern that EMS and first responders would not be able to reach Gleason, but «luckily, they made it through to him at a time when Steve's health was deteriorating.»

«They immediately stabilized him and transported him to Ochsner,» Durrett said. «He remains there and stable. He's continuing to be treated and we are hopeful Steve will do what Steve does and warrior through to get home as quickly as possible.»

Gleason's official X account posted an update Thursday morning thanking the first responders and the hospital for taking care of Gleason.

Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, for which there is currently no cure, in 2011 and now breathes through a ventilator. He communicates using his eyes via a specialized tablet attached to his wheelchair.

Gleason's team posted a message from him on Friday: «ALS is a hurricane of a disease. And on 9/11 in the midst of Hurricane Francine, power outages and sketchy phone service, hurricane ALS made landfall. Thank you for the powerful love and support from all of you. Celebrate this chance to be alive and breathing. I love y'all — SG.»

A message from Steve.