Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-03 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
An ALS diagnosis is difficult to process. People often feel shocked and isolated by the news, whether the diagnosis was for themselves or a family member. It’s hard to move forward or figure out what comes next.
Set in a relaxed and supportive virtual environment, this support group will allow you to connect with others who have received an ALS diagnosis within the last six months.
First Tuesday of Each Month (Starting in October)
Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Cara F. Gallagher, MA., LCPC
RSVP: Email supportgroup@lesturnerals.org.

Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group Spring Session
2025-05-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-06-03 18:00 - 19:30 | http://events.lesturnerals.org/site/Survey;jsessionid=00000000.app20047b?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=3042&_gl=1*ej00s3*_gcl_au*NDQ2NjcxNjEuMTczNDUzNzg0OA..*_ga*MTQ0NjA1MDkuMTczNDUzNzg0OA..*_ga_JGQNCMRW7P*MTczNjk2MDMzNS4yNS4xLjE3MzY5NjA0MzQuMjMuMC4w&NONCE_TOKEN=[REDACTED]
Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group –
A closed, six-week therapeutic bereavement group for spouses or partners of people who have died from ALS within the past six to nine months.This group provides support, validation, and education in a supportive setting to those who are grieving the loss of their loved one.

Spring 2025- Tuesday May 6, 2025 to Tuesday June 10, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Fall 2025- Tuesday September 16, 2025 – Tuesday October 21, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-05-15 15:30 - 16:30
The Caregivers Only group offers a time to talk about all the issues caregivers face in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere without their loved one, who is living with ALS, being present. Caregivers share a common experience; life has become so tumultuous that they often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, hungry for emotional comfort. Together, with the guidance and encouragement of a devoted facilitator, caregivers can find the strength to persevere. And by feeling heard and understood, caregivers become more equipped to face another day with new coping strategies.
Time: Meets the Third Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please RSVP here.
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

ALS Caregivers Support Group Thursday Nights
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00
The Caregivers Only group offers a time to talk about all the issues caregivers face in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere without their loved one, who is living with ALS, being present. Caregivers share a common experience; life has become so tumultuous that they often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, hungry for emotional comfort. Together, with the guidance and encouragement of a devoted facilitator, caregivers can find the strength to persevere. And by feeling heard and understood, caregivers become more equipped to face another day with new coping strategies.
Time: Meets the Third Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please RSVP here.
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

May ALS Learning Series Webinar: Breaking Barriers: Building a Health Equity Approach to Make ALS Livable for All
2025-05-16 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for our May ALS Learning Series with Dr. Chelsea R. Carter, an Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University; she will speak on how scientific knowledge production, clinical care, and systemic marginalization impact historically underrepresented communities affected by diseases like ALS.
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is proud to offer this webinar at no cost to the ALS community. Thank you to the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation, Biogen, & Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring this webinar.
About the Speaker: Chelsea R. Carter, Phd, MPH
Chelsey R. Carter, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor of Public Health in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University, with a secondary affiliation in the Department of Anthropology. Her research program examines how scientific knowledge production, clinical care, and systemic marginalization impact historically underrepresented communities affected by rare and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. Dr. Carter is also undertaking a book project tentatively titled, Finding the Forgotten: Race, Bias, and Care in the World of ALS, which includes an ethnographic study of the diverse experiences of living with ALS, and draws on over 15 years of experience with Black communities affected by ALS. She is Founder & Director of The LEITH (Lived Experiences Igniting Transformations in Health) Lab.

Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk
2025-05-17
We are officially six months away from the 24th annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk and we hope you will join us for a day of family fun and philanthropy!

The below early-bird pricing runs through New Year’s Eve:
· Adult 5K – $40
· Adult 1 mile – $35
· Adult Bundle, 5K and 1 mile – $50
· Youth 5K – $30
· Youth 1 mile – $25
· Youth Bundle 5K and 1Mile – $40
· Little Lew is always $10; free for children ages 0-6 who register for any races

https://www.lewblondrun.org/

Young Adult Support Group
2025-05-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-10 19:00 - 20:30
When a loved one is diagnosed with ALS, it can be overwhelming, especially for young adults who are navigating their own life milestones. It’s common to feel isolated or unsure of how to cope with the changes ALS brings to your family dynamic.

This supportive virtual group offers a space for young adults ages 18-30 to connect with peers who are experiencing similar challenges. In a relaxed and understanding environment, you can share experiences, explore feelings, and find support from others who truly understand what you’re going through.
Third Tuesday of Each Month (Beginning October 15)
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Michelle Shaker, LCSW
RSVP: Please register here.

ALS Learning Series: Tackling the Delay to ALS Diagnosis: How Can We Do Better?
2025-05-22 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for our May ALS Learning Series with Dr. Kelly Gwathmey from Virginia Commonwealth University. She will explore the causes and consequences of ALS diagnostic delay, along with potential solutions to address this problem. A Q&A will follow.
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is proud to offer this webinar at no cost to the ALS community. Thank you to the Gilbert & Jacqueline Fern Foundation, Biogen, & Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring this webinar.
About the Speaker: Dr. Kelly Gwathmey
Kelly Gwathmey is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She studied Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She then attended Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. Her Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology training was completed at the University of Virginia. Following this, she completed a Neuromuscular Medicine fellowship at both Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. At the University of Virginia, she started the multidisciplinary MDA clinic, was co-director of the ALS clinic, and was the fellowship director for both the Neuromuscular and Clinical Neurophysiology fellowships. She joined VCU in January 2019 and currently serves in the capacity of Neuromuscular Division Chair, Neuromuscular Medicine Program Director and EMG Laboratory Director. Dr. Gwathmey sees a wide spectrum of neuromuscular patients and performs electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction studies and electromyography).  Her research interests include environmental risk factors in ALS, diagnostic delay in ALS, and racial disparities in healthcare.

Living After Loss Bereavement Group
2025-05-26 18:00 - 19:30 | http://events.lesturnerals.org/site/Survey;jsessionid=00000000.app20047b?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=3042&_gl=1*ej00s3*_gcl_au*NDQ2NjcxNjEuMTczNDUzNzg0OA..*_ga*MTQ0NjA1MDkuMTczNDUzNzg0OA..*_ga_JGQNCMRW7P*MTczNjk2MDMzNS4yNS4xLjE3MzY5NjA0MzQuMjMuMC4w&NONCE_TOKEN=[REDACTED]
Living After Loss Bereavement Group- 4th Monday of the month
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
An open, supportive monthly bereavement group for anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or a loved one to ALS. This group will provide a place to connect with others who have experienced a loss.Stories will be told, feelings will be explored, and information will be shared about how to remain connected to the memory of a loved one.

Lou Gehrig Day: Chicago White Sox
2025-06-02
Every summer, Major League Baseball celebrates Lou Gehrig Day at ballparks across the country. Whether you’re loyal to the Chicago Cubs or White Sox, we’d love to meet up, honor the Iron Horse, and have a great time together at two games in June.
Join us for a day of remembrance, solidarity, and summer fun as we come together in support of the ALS community. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation, so please invite your friends.
All attendees will receive an exclusive Les Turner ALS Foundation Lou Gehrig Day t-shirt!

Navigating ALS Together
2025-06-02 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-07-07 14:00 - 15:00
These support groups are designed for people and families living with ALS. The groups are open and ongoing, and you may join at any time. It can be helpful for attendees to find a support system outside their immediate circle, make connections with others, and discover a place to gain additional emotional support about ALS and practical guidance for their unique, personal circumstances.
Register here

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-06-02 15:30 - 16:30
The Caregivers Only group offers a time to talk about all the issues caregivers face in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere without their loved one, who is living with ALS, being present. Caregivers share a common experience; life has become so tumultuous that they often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, hungry for emotional comfort. Together, with the guidance and encouragement of a devoted facilitator, caregivers can find the strength to persevere. And by feeling heard and understood, caregivers become more equipped to face another day with new coping strategies.
Time: Meets the Third Monday of each month from 3:30-4:30
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please RSVP here.
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

Global Running Day with Fleet Feet
2025-06-04 18:00 - 21:00
Celebrate what makes running fun—high-fives, endorphins, good friends. Come hang with Fleet Feet Chicago on Global Running Day, run a breezy 3.5 miles and make The Big Run an epic party.
Join Fleet Feet and Brooks at Shore Club Chicago at 6pm. We’ll go for a run, log some midweek miles, and after, stay for a FREE round of drinks, on us!
As we all know, Running Changes Everything, and on this special day of running, we will be donating the proceeds directly to one of our favorite charity partners — the Les Turner ALS Foundation.
The first 250 participants to arrive event day will receive a custom-designed Brooks Hat (While supplies last.)
Gear check will be available on-site at Shore Club.
*Your $5 ticket cost is a direct donation to charity. Must be present to receive hat.
Click this link to purchase a ticket.

Navigating ALS Together
2025-06-07 10:30 - 12:00
These support groups are designed for people and families living with ALS. The groups are open and ongoing, and you may join at any time. It can be helpful for attendees to find a support system outside their immediate circle, make connections with others, and discover a place to gain additional emotional support about ALS and practical guidance for their unique, personal circumstances.
RSVP: Email supportgroup@lesturnerals.org.

Lou Gehrig Day: Chicago Cubs
2025-06-15

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-06-19 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-07-17 15:30 - 16:30
The Caregivers Only group offers a time to talk about all the issues caregivers face in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere without their loved one, who is living with ALS, being present. Caregivers share a common experience; life has become so tumultuous that they often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, hungry for emotional comfort. Together, with the guidance and encouragement of a devoted facilitator, caregivers can find the strength to persevere. And by feeling heard and understood, caregivers become more equipped to face another day with new coping strategies.
Time: Meets the Third Thursday of each month from 3:30-4:30
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
Register here
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

ALS Caregivers Support Group Thursday Nights
2025-06-19 19:00 - 20:00
The Caregivers Only group offers a time to talk about all the issues caregivers face in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere without their loved one, who is living with ALS, being present. Caregivers share a common experience; life has become so tumultuous that they often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, hungry for emotional comfort. Together, with the guidance and encouragement of a devoted facilitator, caregivers can find the strength to persevere. And by feeling heard and understood, caregivers become more equipped to face another day with new coping strategies.
Time: Meets the Third Thursday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
Register here
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

Living After Loss Bereavement Group
2025-06-23 18:00 - 19:30
Living After Loss Bereavement Group- 4th Monday of the month
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
An open, supportive monthly bereavement group for anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or a loved one to ALS. This group will provide a place to connect with others who have experienced a loss. Stories will be told, feelings will be explored, and information will be shared about how to remain connected to the memory of a loved one.

Register here

Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group
2025-07-01 18:00 - 19:00
An ALS diagnosis is difficult to process. People often feel shocked and isolated by the news, whether the diagnosis was for themselves or a family member. It’s hard to move forward or figure out what comes next.
Set in a relaxed and supportive virtual environment, this support group will allow you to connect with others who have received an ALS diagnosis within the last six months.
First Tuesday of Each Month (Starting in October)
Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Cara F. Gallagher, MA., LCPC
Register here

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-07-07 15:30 - 16:30
The Caregivers Only group offers a time to talk about all the issues caregivers face in a non-judgmental, accepting atmosphere without their loved one, who is living with ALS, being present. Caregivers share a common experience; life has become so tumultuous that they often feel exhausted and overwhelmed, hungry for emotional comfort. Together, with the guidance and encouragement of a devoted facilitator, caregivers can find the strength to persevere. And by feeling heard and understood, caregivers become more equipped to face another day with new coping strategies.
Time: Meets the Third Monday of each month from 3:30-4:30
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Email supportgroup@lesturnerals.org.
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

Young Adult Support Group
2025-07-15 19:00 - 20:30
When a loved one is diagnosed with ALS, it can be overwhelming, especially for young adults who are navigating their own life milestones. It’s common to feel isolated or unsure of how to cope with the changes ALS brings to your family dynamic.

This supportive virtual group offers a space for young adults ages 18-30 to connect with peers who are experiencing similar challenges. In a relaxed and understanding environment, you can share experiences, explore feelings, and find support from others who truly understand what you’re going through.
Third Tuesday of Each Month (Beginning October 15)
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Michelle Shaker, LCSW
Register here
