Les Turner ALS Foundation

Moving Forward After Loss (Bereavement Group) - Summer Session
2022-07-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-06-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-06-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)
A closed, 6 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.
Date: Thursdays

Spring Session: March 31 – May 5
Summer Session: June 23 – July 28
Fall Session: September 15 – October 20

Time: 6pm – 7:30pm

Facilitator(s): Easton Stevenson, LCSW

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.*

Wheaton Support Group
2022-06-25 10:30 - 12:00, 2022-05-28 10:30 - 12:00, 2022-04-23 10:30 - 12:00, 2022-03-26 10:30 - 12:00, 2022-02-26 10:30 - 12:00, 2022-01-22 10:30 - 12:00, 2021-12-25 10:30 - 12:00 UTC | Marianjoy Rehab Center, 26 W 171 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL, 60187, United States
*Meets the fourth Saturday of each month from 10:30am-12pm
Support group meetings are open to patients, family members, caregivers and friends. Each facility is wheelchair accessible and offers free parking. We request that you RSVP if you are planning to attend any of these meetings to assure there is availability. Alternatively, if no one responds, meetings will not be held.
Please contact Judy Richman at jrichman@lesturnerals.org or 847 679 3311 to RSVP, for more information on any support groups or meetings, or to be placed on our support group mailing list.
Facilitator(s): Ileane Mindel, RN and Elsa Cherwak, PT

June ALS Learning Series: An Overview of Medicare for People Living with ALS
2022-06-23 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
About the Program
Many people living with ALS qualify for Medicare to provide their health insurance after they are no longer working full-time. This presentation will examine Medicare eligibility, enrollment, coverage, costs, assistance paying for costs, and considerations when choosing between traditional Medicare and a private Medicare advantage plan. Questions, answers and discussion will follow the program.
The webinar is a free, public service of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.
About the Speaker
Kathleen Holt, JD, joined the Center for Medicare Advocacy in 2014 as Associate Director and attorney. In addition to her law practice, she is an experienced hospital administrator with an MBA in healthcare management. After obtaining her law degree, Kathy became a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Social Security and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Seattle. Following the birth of her profoundly disabled youngest child, she founded a Seattle area law practice advocating for the needs of older and disabled people.
After the ALS diagnosis of a close friend in 1991, Kathy served as President of the Board of both the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter (Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska) and subsequently, the Connecticut Chapter. She was also a national ALS Association Trustee. She currently serves on the Boards of Team Gleason, Yale-New Haven Health System’s Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, the Connecticut Teacher’s Retirement Board, and the Mansfield Connecticut Housing Authority.
Register

Caregivers-Only Support Group
2022-06-16 15:00 - 16:00, 2022-05-19 15:00 - 16:00, 2022-04-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2022-03-17 15:00 - 16:00, 2022-02-17 15:00 - 16:00, 2022-01-20 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
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 3pm to 4pm
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.*

Hope Through Caring Gala
2022-05-21 18:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Radisson Blu, 221 N Columbus Drive, Chicago, 60601, United States
Every Spring, the Foundation hosts the Hope Through Caring Gala. The annual event celebrates the work of the Les Turner ALS Foundation, Chicagoland’s leader in comprehensive ALS care, and honors two incredible individuals for their significant contributions to the Foundation and the greater ALS community.
This year we are excited to announce the Hope Through Caring Award will be given to Lisa F. Wolfe, MD, of Northwestern Medicine. Dr. Wolfe is a world-renowned pulmonologist at our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center who has built one of most respected neuromuscular pulmonary programs in the country.
In addition, the Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award will be given to the co-founders of Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Joshua Cohen and Justin Klee, for their unwavering commitment to the ALS community which began when they were undergraduates at Brown University.

2022 Hope Through Caring Gala
Saturday, May 21, 2022
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago
Visit hopethroughcaring.org to purchase tickets and for more information.
Please contact Kim Kempf at kkempf@lesturnerals.org or 847-745-6024 for more information.

21st Annual Lew Blond Run
2022-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The 21st Annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Run will take place on Saturday, May 21 at Maple School, 2370 Shermer Road, Northbrook, IL. The 5K takes place at 8:00 am. The 1 Mile Run begins at 9:00 a.m., and the new Little Lew 50-yard dash (for ages 6 and under) begins at 9:30 a.m. This year other new additions to the event include an online silent auction and a “Smile Mile” at Mile 2, sponsored by Dentistry For Kids, Ltd., where a photographer will be taking photos and post them on the Lew Blond Run’s Instagram.
District 30 has collaborated with the Lew Blond Memorial 5K Organization, a non-profit organization, to host the 5K and 1 mile run for the past 20 years. The Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk is held to honor Lew Blond, a Maple School teacher who passed away from Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) in February 2000. He was an exceptional and dedicated educator of the applied arts and was revered and cherished by his students, his colleagues, and the parents of the children he served. Lew Blond’s family has attended and helped support this race since its inception.
The Lew Blond Run Board of Directors appreciates everyone’s continued support of this fundraising event, which benefits ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research through the Les Turner ALS Foundation, supports high school scholarships at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South High Schools, and special District 30 projects. To date 40 scholarships have been awarded, which helps support the students’ education and brings honor to the memory of Mr. Blond.
Sign up for the Lew Blond Run by April 30 to be guaranteed a t-shirt!
Volunteers are also still needed for the Lew Blond Run. Contact Samuel Kurz at Skurtz@district30.org

May ALS Learning Series: Financial and Estate Planning for the ALS Community
2022-05-12 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
Financial and Estate Planning for the ALS Community – Thursday, May 12, 2022 from Noon to 2:00pm CT
About the Program:
This webinar will guide people living with ALS and their loved ones through easy-to-understand actionable steps for securing a financial future and optimizing health care. A diagnosis of ALS makes planning for the future more important than ever. These discussions are not easy, but taking the time to gather information and think about your values is a powerful gift for yourself and to your family.
Financial and Estate Planning for the ALS Community is an interactive webinar, where you will have a chance to learn about important financial and legal issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources. By planning appropriately, you can focus on living.
Terry Savage is a nationally recognized expert and speaker on personal finance and Kerry Peck, JD, is an award-winning attorney and subject matter expert whose practice is focused on elder law and estate planning.
The topics covered include:

Developing financial strategies to take control of your money
Building a team of people for legal and financial assistance
Understanding tax deductions and credits related to ALS care
Caregiving costs
Estate planning: wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care documents

The webinar is a free, public service of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.
About the Speakers:
Terry Savage, The Money Lady®
Terry Savage is a nationally recognized expert on personal finance, the economy, and the markets. She writes a weekly personal finance column syndicated in major newspapers by Tribune Content Agency. Terry Savage lost her friend and colleague Michael Falk to ALS in 2021. Click here to learn more about Terry Savage.

Kerry R. Peck, JD, Peck Ritchey, LLC
Kerry R. Peck is the managing partner of the Chicago law firm, Peck Ritchey, LLC. He is the past president of the 22,000 member Chicago Bar Association. The Illinois Supreme Court recently appointed Mr. Peck as the Chair of the newly created Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law. He is an author and expert in estate and care planning that helps families plan and navigate through complex legal, medical, and financial decisions. Click here to learn more about Kerry R. Peck.
Register here

Moving Forward After Loss (Bereavement Group) - Spring Session
2022-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-04-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2022-03-31 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago)

March ALS Learning Series: Making Activities of Daily Life Easier in ALS
2022-03-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
About the Program:
This webinar will focus on how ALS may impact your daily routines and how an occupational therapist can offer tips to make daily living a little easier. You will learn about devices for getting through your daily routine and suggestions on ways to increase your independence. You will learn about different types of adaptive equipment for eating, drinking, toileting, bathing, oral hygiene, grooming and recreation.
The webinar is a free, public service of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.
About the Speaker:
Becca Schroeder, MOT, OTR/L, has been an occupational therapist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital since 2018. She is part of the multidisciplinary team at the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine.
Register here

ALS Learning Series: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About ALS and the Veterans Administration
2022-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
About the Program:
Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS in comparison to those who have not served in the military. Dr. Kvarnberg, Clinic Director of the ALS Interdisciplinary Clinic at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital will provide an overview of the link between military service and the approach that the VA takes in caring for veterans. Dr. Kvarnberg will discuss VA benefits available to those impacted by ALS, and share information about his clinic. This webinar will provide useful information to veterans with ALS and their caregivers wanting to know more about:

Clinical care and everything ordered by a VA doctor or clinician
Medications, supplies from pharmacy
Home Health Care
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy
Hospice & Palliative Care
Social Work
Mental Health
Durable Medical Equipment

About the Speakers:
Dr. Kvarnberg (left) and Robert Ives (right)
Dr. Kvarnberg received his medical degree from Rush University in 2003. As a medical student, he was the recipient of a Navy Health Professional Scholarship which led him to serve four years of active duty as a Navy physician and included two deployments to Iraq with the Marines. He then received his neurology residency and neuromuscular fellowship training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has worked at the Hines VA Hospital since 2012 seeing veterans with general neurology complaints and complicated neuromuscular problems. He has been the Clinic Director of the Hines VA ALS Interdisciplinary clinic since he started it in 2013. The clinic sees approximately 12 patients per month in a weekly half-day of clinic. Since June 2021, he has accepted the role as the Acting Chief of the Neurology Service at Hines. In his free time, he is an avid hiker and regularly trains in aikido.
Robert Ives, a veteran living with ALS, was diagnosed in 2014. As an engineer and business owner, Bob never backed down from a challenge. His tenacity was formed as a young lieutenant in the Army during the building of the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Both of these traits have served him well since his diagnosis. Bob and his wife, Mary, are active in our Chicago Support Group, and are dedicated donors to the Foundation’s Research and Support Services programs.
The webinar is a free, public service of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.
Register here

ALS Learning Series: Mobility Aids and Home Modification Tips to Improve Quality of Life in ALS
2022-01-20 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
About the Program:
During this webinar, the presenters will be discussing symptoms of mobility weakness and how ALS affects mobility. You will learn about a variety of mobility aids to assist you in your daily life and learn what information is important to know when modifying your home for use of a power wheelchair. You will also learn about custom wheelchair set up, ramp accessibility, vehicle accessibility and minor home modifications that will allow for safe mobility in the home and community so that you can maintain as much independence as possible using a power wheelchair.
Lastly, you will be provided with information about the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s new, ALS and Mobility guide that will walk you through a variety of topics including:

Aids for Walking
Leg Braces
Wheelchairs
Transportation options
Aids for transfers
Types of patient lifts
Seat lift recliner chairs

About the Speakers:

Esmerelda Vazquez, OTD, OTR/L, ATP (right) & Jeannette Wider, MS, OTR/L (left)
Esmeralda Vazquez, OTD, OTR/L, ATP and Jeannette Wider, MS, OTR/L, of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, will discuss the variety of mobility aids to assist with daily living, what information is important to know when modifying your home, and how to modify your home for safe mobility with a power wheelchair.

Register here

Wheaton Support Group
2021-12-18 10:30 - 12:30 UTC | Marianjoy Rehab Center, 26 W 171 Roosevelt Road, Wheaton, IL, 60187, United States
From 10:30am-12:30pm
Facilitator(s): Ileane Mindel, RN, Julie Stowell, RN, CHPN and Elsa Cherwak, PT
RSVP: Please email us at supportgroup@lesturnerals.org to RSVP
