Les Turner ALS Foundation

Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group Winter Session
2025-02-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | 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.
Winter 2025 session January 28 – March 4

Spring 2025- Tuesday April 29, 2025 to Tuesday June 3, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Fall 2025- Tuesday September 16, 2025 – Tuesday October 21, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Young Adult Support Group
2025-02-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-03-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-04-15 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
RSVP: Please register here.

Living After Loss Bereavement Group
2025-02-24 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-24 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-28 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.

Navigating ALS Together
2025-03-03 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: 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]

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-03-03 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-07 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: Please RSVP here.
*Meetings will be held over Zoom and a Zoom invitation will be sent via email once you register for the group.*

Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-01 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
RSVP: Email supportgroup@lesturnerals.org.

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-03-20 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-04-17 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
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
2025-03-20 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: 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.*

ALS Caregivers Support Group Thursday Nights
2025-03-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-17 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.*

Navigating ALS Together
2025-03-22 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-04-07 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-12 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.
Register here

March ALS Learning Series Webinar : Observational Studies Help in the Quest for Effective ALS Therapies
2025-03-31 12:00 - 13:00
Monday, March 31, at 12 CST
About the Program: In this talk Dr. Berry will discuss the aims, design considerations, and implementation of observational studies, highlighting the many ways observational studies hastened drug development and can create resources that aid the ALS community in the present and for years to come.
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: James D. Berry, MD, MPH
Winthrop Family Scholar in ALS Sciences
Averill Healey Endowed Chair in ALS
Chief of the MGH Division of ALS and Motor Neuron Diseases
Dr. Berry leads the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of ALS and Motor Neuron Diseases. He is an active clinician and ALS clinical researcher, with a focus on biomarker development and ALS clinical trial methodology. He oversees a large biorepository, collecting, storing and sharing blood, DNA, and spinal fluid and accompanying patient information, which allows researchers around the globe to conduct critical research identifying biomarkers of ALS and developing novel therapeutics. He also leads projects developing digital endpoints for ALS trials that will help increase the objective data for trials while decreasing the burden on trial participants. Finally, he is deeply committed to developing novel therapeutics by translating discoveries in the lab into clinical trials and leading clinical trials that will transform our approach to care in ALS.
Dr. Berry also oversees and leads out the clinic at the Healey Center for ALS, caring for patients and helping to build and lead the multidisciplinary care team. He helped found the Telemedicine for People with ALS (TelePALS) program, the ALS House Call Program and the Parenting at a Challenging Time (PACT) programs within the clinic.

2025 Hope Through Caring Gala
2025-04-05
This year’s annual Hope Through Caring Gala will be held on Saturday April 5th. Stay tuned for more info.

Navigating ALS Together
2025-04-12 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-12 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-04-26 10:30 - 11:30
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.

April ALS Learning Series
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:00
The ALS Exposome: How Environmental Exposures Inform Disease Risk and Prevention
About the Program
Join us for our April ALS Learning Series with Dr. Goutman, neurologist, from University of Michigan. Dr. Goutman will discuss research related to how environmental exposures influence ALS. A Q&A will follow.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XXNIwZe6TyihGm9YeroqQA
