Young Adult Support Group
2026-08-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-09-15 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago)
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

ALS Learning Series: ALS-FTD Clinicopathological Overlap
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00
ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are increasingly understood to share underlying biological connections, and some people living with ALS may also experience changes in thinking, behavior, or personality. Join Dr. David Irwin from Penn Medicine, as he explores the relationship between ALS and ALS-FTD, explaining what current research tells us about how these conditions overlap. This session will help you understand what cognitive and behavioral changes to watch for, how they may show up over the course of the disease, and what this means for care and support planning.
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 & Shionogi for sponsoring this webinar.

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2026-08-20 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-09-17 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-10-15 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
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
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-09-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-10-15 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
Register here
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

Navigating ALS Together
2026-08-22 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-26 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-10-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-24 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-11-02 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

Living After Loss Bereavement Group
2026-08-24 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-26 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
2026-09-01 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-06 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
2026-09-07 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-10-05 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
Register here
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

ALS Learning Series: Cognitive and Language Impairments in ALS & ALS-FTD: Signs & Strategies
2026-09-24 12:00 - 13:00
In this webinar, Marie Saxon, MS, CCC-SLP will review the most commonly observed cognitive and language symptoms in individuals with ALS and FTD, as well as their functional implications. Symptoms include reduced executive functioning, attention, memory, social cognition, and communication that can impact decision making, safety, and interpersonal connection. She will review potential signs of cognitive and language impairments that would be reason to utilize supportive strategies or seek additional support. Lastly, Marie will review practical strategies and tools that can be employed now to support increased independence and participation in meaningful activities.
The Les Turner ALS Foundation is proud to offer this webinar at no cost to the ALS community. Thank you to Biogen & Shionogi for sponsoring this webinar.

Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group Fall Session
2026-09-29 18:00 - 19:30
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.
Fall 2026 – Tuesday September 29, 2026 – Tuesday November 3, 2026 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group Fall Session
2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-13 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-27 18:00 - 19:30
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 ones.
Fall 2026 – Tuesday September 29, 2026 – Tuesday November 3, 2026 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

2026 ALS Walk for Life
2026-10-24 09:00 - 14:00
Join us for the largest ALS gathering in the Midwest! This event includes a two-mile stroll along the lakefront in Chicago, finishing with a trip through historic Soldier Field. Walking in small groups and big teams, thousands come together to honor loved ones who are living with ALS and remember those we have lost.
Walk for the Les Turner ALS Foundation and join a community committed to finding a world free of ALS. The funds you raise go directly to our mission provide the most comprehensive care and support to people living with ALS and their families so that they can confidently navigate the disease, and advance scientific research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of ALS.​
