The 2025 MSAM Council recently met with leaders in Nashville, TN for the annual MSAM summit: a time for team-building, problem solving, and solution development. This group formed subcommittees to help MSAMs develop their skillset, ultimately reaching more individuals with bladder management needs Be on the lookout for more info to come regarding special programs, data utilization, resources for rehabs, and so much more!
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Steve Gleason was the keynote speaker for NLC 2025 Many know him as the New Orleans Saint who blocked a punt in the first game in the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina; others know him as the face of Team Gleason
Diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34, Steve made it his mission “to show that people with ALS can not only live but thrive; and to inspire others facing similar challenges.”
The goal of Team Gleason is “empower people with ALS to live purposeful lives” Steve continues to do just that through his foundation, and bringing continuous awareness and support for the ALS community
Steve’s efforts and works through the Gleason foundation are innumerable, and have not been done in vain From creating acts that ensure individuals with ALS have essential communication devices and additional support, to challenging the system and advocating for eye-tracking technology for power wheelchair mobility, Steve has truly shown and continues to show NO WHITE FLAGS!
To learn more about Steve, his journey, efforts, family, awards, and so much more, visit:
teamgleasonorg
Attheageof24,diagnosedwithALS, SteveGleasonwasgiven2-5yearsto live Thisdocumentaryexudes resilience,strength,andthepowerof family
Youcanwatch“Gleason”onPrime Video,Peacock,andmore Howeverbewarned,youwillneed comfortingsnacks,yourfavorite beverage,andaBOXoftissues.This writerconsiders“Gleason”tobethe mostgenuinelyprofounddepictionof rawvulnerabilityineverydaylife throughtheprogressionofadisease; theemotionsandimpactsofALSon Steveandthoseclosesttohimare palpable Writtenwitheye-trackingtechnology, Steveauthoredamemoirofhislife.The bookencompasseshisNFLcareer, diagnosis,andunwaveringresilienceA LifeImpossibleisavailableonAmazon
Question: As a little dude (think 5-10 years old), what did you want to be when you grew up?
Answer: “Oddly enough, a plumber My dad owns a plumbing business and to this day, 4 year old Dylan holding a pipe wrench is on multiple commercial plumbing trucks driving around the Tampa Bay area I would’ve been a 4th generation plumber!”
Q: One of the first things I learned about you, before even meeting you, was that your heart was truly INTO being an MSAM/in urology sales. Tell me more about your career goal and how that set you on this journey.
A: “After suffering an SCI I quickly learned 2 things: 1) Catheters directly affect your quality of life/independence in a large way 2) a catheter rep can have a very positive impact on you; I experienced this firsthand. When I realized the importance of those 2 things, I made it my career goal to be an MSAM and have enjoyed every step of this journey.”
Q: You've quickly gotten involved and have participated in a series of events/expos/volunteer opportunities. How did you go about getting so involved? As an MSAM, what is the most valuable part of attending such events?
A: “A lot of the events that I have been involved in are linked with adaptive sports I typically have reached out to the director or coach of a local adaptive sports program and asked for ways that I can get involved. As an MSAM, I find the connections I make at these events are valuable. These connections can lead you to referral sources that you’d otherwise have no way of getting into potentially”
Q: For me, March is a deeply meaningful month; it signifies that everything is made beautiful in time...challenges arise to give us a fresh perspective, a new start...but we must persevere and recognize that growth and progress take TIME! You've got a fantastic career, beautiful wife, a home in Florida, a past as Gaston in Beauty & The Beast...What would little Dylan be most proud of you for conquering?
A: “Letting you know about my Gaston days was a big mistake! Little Dylan would be most proud of my perseverance These past 5 years have been the hardest years of my life But I am proud that instead of letting adversities get the best of me and succeed in making me give up, I have persevered I look at hardships as a way to make me stronger and a better version of myself. I’m proud of the way that I have overcome these challenges and progressed forward in my career, personal relationships, and other aspects of my life.”
Q: If you could have dinner with ANY 3 people (dead, alive, alien, etc.), who would they be?
A: “Jesus, Dave Chapelle, and Ronde Barber”
Q: If there was a documentary made about your life, who would you want to play "Dylan Kelly"?
A: “Timothee Chalamet; he takes his roles very seriously and he is the next “Tom Cruise” of my generation”
Q: Current "anthem" for your life:
A: “Any song off Tate McRae’s new album!”
Q: Favorite pizza topping:
A: None! Give me light cheese extra gravy, like an absolute psychopath I’m Italian; gimme my gravy and get that pepperoni stuff outta here!!!” MARCH,2025
As a clinician, I remember sitting in many patients’ conferences with the entire care team, discussing therapeutic progress in inpatient rehab
There were many instances I had debates with other practitioners regarding the level of independence my patient had with ISC On one occasion, I was asked, “She can feed herself, why can’t she cath?” Another conference consisted of a heated debate regarding significantly differing functional independence scores: set-up vs dependent It was during this time I realized there were differing perspectives on what true “independence” looks like with ISC
To reiterate, again: ISC is dynamic it entails so much more than just inserting the catheter For an individual to be independent, it is crucial to consider the following (*This is not an all inclusive list!)
In what environments and settings will ISC be performed?
Are there cultural factors to consider?
Is hand function adequate to manage clothing fasteners, manage clothing for ISC, and manage all supplies and products for ISC?
Is there anxiety or fear surrounding ISC?
Is balance sufficient to safely achieve and maintain the positioning required for ISC in varying environments? Clothing management?
Is sensation impaired (hypersensitivity vs hyposensitivity)?
Is strength enough to manage legs, or potentially transfer to the commode?
Is cognition in tact to perform proper technique for ISC, at the prescribed time? Problem solve through different ISC scenarios?
What catheter features and benefits must be considered to support independence?
Would a product mix be the best option for ISC, based on the person’s lifestyle?
Is a bowel program completed effectively and consistently?
With Spring just around the corner, frequent weather changes, potential storms, and the “unpredictable” must be considered. Check out Numotion’s Natural Disaster Preparedness Tips on the next page, and share with anyone that may benefit!
It’s important to note that intermittent self catheterization (ISC) is dynamic!! For some individuals with impaired dexterity or hand function, fastening closures on clothing can be difficult, time consuming, and frustrating ultimately inhibiting independence with ISC. The button hook with zipper pull may facilitate independence with the fine motor tasks of zipping or buttoning pants during ISC By providing one technique to make the ISC process easier, compliance is promoted; therefore, bladder health, overall health, and quality of life are improved
(This device, and similar, are available on Amazon.)
Numotion offers a variety of CEUs for Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, ATPs, and more
Scan the QR Codes to learn more, and to enroll in Numotion’s Medical Supply CEU offerings (available live and on-demand!)
ContactyourNumotionMedicalSupplyAccountManagerforadditionalinformation, toreceiveproductsamples,andforupcomingeducationalopportunities!
The most important step to maintaining your health during a natural disaster is to prepare in advance. For intermittent catheter users, it’s essential you have the medical supplies you need to maintain a healthy bladder and bowel management program.
If you will be at a different location for an extended period of time, notify your medical supplier so they can assist you with your supply shipments. We are here to support you during these challenging times, contact us at 800-834-9694.
We encourage you to store a 14-day supply of medical supplies
You may be in temporary housing or unable to receive shipments right away
Intermittent catheters (and lubricant if used)
Transferring to use the restroom may be difficult in these circumstances. Consider including extra-long catheters or catheters with a bag attached
Bowel management essentials - suppositories or mini enemas
Antibacterial hand wipes or antibacterial hand sanitizer
Hygiene wet wipes and toilet paper
Small flashlight
Non-latex, disposable gloves
Females - compact mirror & any additional feminine hygiene items required
Necessary medications
List of your medications, intermittent catheter item number, doctor and medical supplier names and phone numbers
Place plastic bags over the joystick and other electrical components
Completely charge your power wheelchair before the storm
Keep your wheelchair as dry as possible
Store any backup equipment or devices in a dry place in case of emergency
Keep chargers off the floor and away from areas that may flood
Don’t