Momentum - Spring 2012

How Team Gleason began

When Trevis was diagnosed in 2001, family members had migrated apart. “We didn’t know what MS really was,” said Molly. “And we felt helpless being so far away.” “We all wanted to know more about what Trevis was going through and how we could help,” said his sister Angie, now in Tampa, Fla. “It was hard not being with him.” But that would change in a few years. In 2004, Trevis got involved with the Society’s Greater Northwest Chapter. Then he started his own team, Team Gleason. A visit from his brother Bill happened to coincide with the yearly planning session at the chapter, so Trevis took him along. “He was so impressed that he wanted to know what he could do. So I told him to start his own team,” he said. Bill started a Team Gleason in Grand Rapids, and after a year, Molly took over as captain.

“My husband, daughter and friends always
participate, and walk and talk with people of all
ages and all stages of MS,” Molly said. “We began
to understand better what MS was.”
started a Team Gleason in San Francisco. Teams
grew by leaps and bounds as captains reached
out. Trevis was astonished that people whom
he had never met would come out in support.
“But what’s important to me is important to my
friends, and that apparently continues down the
line,” he said.

A year-round e;ort

During the rest of the year, team members and captains brainstorm about other fundraising activities. This year Molly is planning a golf outing to raise money for the cause. Angie organizes a St. Patrick’s Day party every year. And this past November, Jim convinced a top mixologist to donate time at a local bar. “Everyone came to taste his crazy drinks,” said Jim.

The best family time

Even the younger generation is joining in. “My 14-year-old daughter Hailey loves to reach out to teachers and friends to help with donations or walking,” Molly said. “She really sees that she is making a difference. Plus, everyone goes out before and after the walk to talk about the day. It’s the best kind of family time.”

What team spirit looks like

When Molly’s brother Jim moved to Arizona, he decided to start a Team Gleason, as well. “I was new to the city and it was a great way to meet people,” said Jim.