ALS Support Groups
The Les Turner ALS Foundation provides free ALS support groups online throughout the year. Our support groups are open to:
- People living with ALS
- People newly diagnosed with ALS
- ALS caregivers
- People who have lost a family member, friend, or a loved one to ALS
Many people find a peer support group to be a safe space to help navigate and manage the difficulties in their lives. A support group can help its members cope better and feel less isolated as they are surrounded by others who are experiencing a similar situation.
Faced with similar challenges, support group participants understand, on a deeper level, what other members are feeling and experiencing without the need for explanation. Group members typically share their personal experiences and offer emotional comfort and moral support to one another.
All groups are led by professional facilitators from the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Facilitators provide guidance and education, and ensure a positive, beneficial experience for attendees.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected].
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Navigating ALS Together
Saturday
Second Saturday of Each Month
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Karen Raley Steffens, RN, CHPN, CCM
RSVP: Please register here.
Monday
Third Monday of Each Month
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 2 - 3:15 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please register here.
Saturday
Fourth Saturday of Each Month
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. CST
Facilitator: Rochelle Walwer, LCSW
RSVP: Please register here.
Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group
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
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 6 - 7 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Cara F. Gallagher, MA, LCPC
RSVP: Please register here.
ALS Caregivers Support Group
This 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, 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.
Monday
Third Monday of Each Month
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please register here.
Thursday
Third Thursday of Each Month
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 3 - 4 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please register here.
Thursday
Third Thursday of Each Month
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 7 - 8 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD
RSVP: Please register here.
Young Adult Support Group
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
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 7 - 8 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Michelle Shaker, LCSW
RSVP: Please register here.
Bereavement Groups
Moving Forward After Loss: Spouse/Partner
Select Tuesdays
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 Session: Sept. 17 – Oct. 22, 2024
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Easton Stevenson, LCSW
RSVP: Please register here.
Living After Loss
Fourth Monday of Each Month
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.
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Easton Stevenson, LCSW
RSVP: Please register here.
Young Adult Bereavement
Third Wednesday of Each Month
An open, supportive monthly bereavement group for young adults ages 18-30 who have lost a parent, family member, or loved one to ALS.
This group offers a space to connect with peers who are navigating grief while balancing personal, work, and family lives. Attendees will share experiences, explore feelings, and gain insights on grieving during this pivotal stage of life.
Visit our Calendar of Events for upcoming dates.
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m. CST
Facilitator: Easton Stevenson, LCSW
RSVP: Please register here.
Support Group Facilitators
Cara Gallagher, MA, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Anne Lidsky, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Michelle Shaker, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Karen Steffens, RN, CHRN, CCM
Registered Nurse
Easton Stevenson, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Rochelle Walwer, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The Jill and Dennis Smith ALS Education and Awareness Fund
Even as he battled ALS, Dennis Smith of Bourbonnais, Illinois, was described by family members as “a man of keen intellect, gentle humor and extraordinary character.” As the disease progressed and Dennis lost his ability to speak, he was introduced to the Les Turner ALS Foundation which provided him an augmentative communication device, enabling him to continue communicating with family and friends. In 2007, at the age of 56, Dennis lost his life to ALS.
Shortly before Dennis’ death, his wife Jill, and extended family members created The Dennis J. Smith Legacy Foundation, raising money for the Foundation through their annual golf outing, “The Denny” to show their gratitude for the care and services they received during Dennis' life.
After Jill passed away in 2014, the Foundation became a grateful beneficiary of the Jill and Dennis Smith ALS Education and Awareness Fund. Thanks to Jill and Dennis’ desire to create a legacy, their generosity will support the Foundation’s Education and Awareness Programs, including professional development in the field of ALS, patient and family education and public awareness, for years to come.
