ALS Caregivers Support Group
2026-03-26 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
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
2026-03-26 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.*

Navigating ALS Together
2026-03-28 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-04-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-04-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-01 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
2026-04-06 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-04 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-06-01 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.*

Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group
2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-05-05 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

2026 Hope Through Caring Gala
2026-04-11
The 2026 Hope Through Caring Gala will be held on Saturday, April 11 at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago.
Visit lesturnerals.org/gala to join us!

ALS Caregivers Support Group
2026-04-16 15:30 - 16:30, 2026-05-21 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
2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-21 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.*

Young Adult Support Group
2026-04-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-19 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

ALS Learning Series: Informed Decision-Making in ALS: An Open Discussion on Tracheostomy and Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for an open and honest conversation about one of the more challenging decisions people living with ALS face: whether to pursue tracheostomy and invasive mechanical ventilation. Our panel discussion brings together diverse perspectives; through their stories and insights, this webinar will help people with ALS, their families, and care partners understand the medical, emotional, and practical considerations involved in this decision. Whether you’re considering this option or supporting someone through their decision, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives to inform your journey.
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 & Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring this webinar.

Living After Loss Bereavement Group
2026-04-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-25 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

Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement Group Spring Session
2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-19 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-26 18:00 - 19:30
Moving Forward After Loss Spousal/Partner Bereavement GroupA 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 2026 – Tuesday May 5, 2026 – Tuesday June 9, 2026 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk
2026-05-16 08:00 - 22:00
The annual Lew Blond Memorial 5K Run/Walk honors former Northbrook/Glenview School District 30 teacher Lew Blond, who passed away from ALS in 2000. A portion of the proceeds go to the Les Turner ALS Foundation in Lew’s memory.
There are activities for all age levels including the Little Lew 50-yard dash for children up to six years old. The Lew Blond 5K is a great chance for people of all ability levels to get some exercise, enjoy the sun, and support ALS care and research.

ALS Learning Series: Finding Your People: Real Stories of Community After an ALS Diagnosis
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
An ALS diagnosis can change everything — but it doesn’t mean navigating the road ahead alone. In this panel discussion, Rob, Tina, Kelly, and Juan, people living with ALS, will share their personal stories of finding community, getting involved with organizations like Her ALS Story, I AM ALS, and the Les Turner ALS Foundation, and discovering the strength that comes from connection. Hear firsthand how getting involved transformed their journey. A live 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 & Tanabe Pharma America for sponsoring this webinar.

Lou Gehrig Day: Chicago White Sox
2026-05-31 13:00
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!
