ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-10-16 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-20 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-18 15:30 - 16:30 (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 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
2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-12-18 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.*

Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group Fall Session
2025-10-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-11-04 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.
RSVP by email to supportgroup@lesturnerals.org

Fall 2025- Tuesday September 30, 2025 – Tuesday November 4, 2025 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Young Adult Support Group
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-16 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

Navigating ALS Together
2025-10-25 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-11-03 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-22 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-12-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-05 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
2025-10-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-11-24 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-22 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

Les Turner Symposium on ALS
2025-11-03
Leading ALS researchers, clinicians, advocates, and people living with ALS gathered to discuss the latest research and perspectives on ALS.
The symposium stands as an opportunity to ask questions, share insights, and engage with people striving to deliver the best possible ALS care.

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2025-11-03 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-01 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-01-05 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
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.*

Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group
2025-11-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-02 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-06 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

All in for ALS Casino Night
2025-11-15
Our signature casino night hosted by our Young ProfessionALS Group features exciting games like blackjack, roulette, and craps all live in person. Guests can try their luck at the tables, bid on auction items, enjoy tasty appetizers, and snap pictures in the photo opportunity, all while joining other young professionals to show their support for the Les Turner ALS Foundation, the leader in comprehensive ALS care in Chicagoland.
Many Young ProfessionALS Group (YPG) members and event attendees have had this devastating disease touch their lives and take a loved one, yet they still come together to help ensure that one day there is a cure for ALS. This is our chance to give back to them by helping fund vital ALS care and research.
Your generosity helps ensure that people living with ALS live their lives with both quality and dignity. 100% of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

ALS Learning Series: The Cost of ALS - Where Research Stands and How it Compares to Other Diseases
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for our December ALS Learning Series featuring Dr. Grouls who will explore a concept people living with ALS know all too well: the financial burden of disease. She will trace the evolution of financial burden research in ALS, drawing comparisons with the more established field of financial toxicity research in oncology. She’ll share what we’re learning from the latest research and what’s currently being studied—and just as importantly, she’ll point out where we still need answers.

Navigating ALS Together
2025-12-20 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.
