Support Services

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.

Date: Visit our Calendar of Events

Time: Thursday 3-4 pm or Saturday 10-11 am

Facilitator(s): Anne Lidsky, PhD

RSVP: Please RSVP here.

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.

This summer, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is launching the ALS Newly Diagnosed Support Series. Set in a relaxed and supportive virtual environment, this support series will allow you to connect with others who have received an ALS diagnosis within the last nine months.

The series will be facilitated by members of the Foundation’s Support Services team. Each session will address a topic and provide resources and education to consider. There will also be an opportunity to connect with others and ask questions.  

Date: Visit our Calendar of Events

Time: Meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 12-1pm CST, for eight sessions starting in June 2023

Facilitator(s): Rochelle Walwer, LCSW, Support Services Coordinator.

RSVP: This group is at capacity. Please join our email list to be notified of the next series. 

Date: Second Saturday of the Month

Visit our Calendar of Events

Time: 10:30am - 12pm

Facilitator(s): Karen Raley Steffens, RN, CHPN, CCM

RSVP: Please RSVP here.

Date: Third Tuesday of Every Month

Visit our Calendar of Events

Time: 1pm - 2:30pm

Facilitator: Anne Lidsky, PhD

RSVP: Please RSVP here.

Date: Visit our Calendar of Events

Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm

Facilitator(s): Julie Stowell, RN, CHPN and Rochelle Walwer, LCSW

RSVP: Please RSVP here.

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. Visit our Calendar of Events

• Winter Session:  January 19 – Feb 23
• Spring Session : Apr 6 – May 11
• Summer Session: June 22- July 27
• Fall Session: Sept 21 – October 26

Time: 6pm - 7:30pm

Facilitator(s): Easton Stevenson, LCSW

RSVP: Please RSVP here.

An open, supportive monthly bereavement group for anyone (family, friend, etc.) who has lost a loved one to ALS within the past year. This group will provide a place to connect with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one to ALS; 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.

Date: Fourth Monday. Visit our Calendar of Events

Time: 6pm - 7pm

Facilitator(s): Easton Stevenson, LCSW

RSVP: Please RSVP here.

Cara F. Gallagher MA, LCPC received her Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology in 1997.  She has over 25 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector managing In-home and Residential Support programs, as well as providing case management to individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. Cara joined the Foundation as the National ALS Registry Associate and member of our Support Services Team in 2016. Cara also meets with people living with ALS every week at the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine to provide support and resources.

Anne Lidsky, PhD, has served as a support group leader since 1983. She received her B.A. from the University of Illinois, her M.A. from Northeastern Illinois State University and her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University. Anne is a licensed clinical psychologist.

Karen Raley Steffens, RN, CHPN, CCM, received her Associate Degree in Nursing from William Rainey Harper College in 1994. She is also a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse and Certified Case Manager. Before joining the Les Turner ALS Foundation, Karen worked as a Hospice Care Manager with JourneyCare where she worked with her first ALS Patient. Karen joined the Foundation as an ALS Support Services Coordinator in 2016.

Easton Stevenson, LCSW, joined the Foundation as an ALS Support Services Coordinator in 2013. She received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Chicago. Easton’s professional background includes working with the HIV+ population, providing therapeutic services to infected adults and their affected children. Common issues that were addressed included depression, relationship issues, medication adherence, stress, diagnosis acceptance and end-of-life planning.

Rochelle Walwer, LCSW, has an undergraduate degree in psychology from Washington University and a master of social work degree from Aurora University with a concentration in medical social work. Over the past three years, Rochelle has worked for Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care as both a hospice and palliative care social worker. During this time, she served on the organization’s ALS care team where she was actively involved in providing support to families and patients with ALS, while also collaborating with the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s Support Services team. Prior to beginning her career in social work, she worked in non-profit administration where she assisted with volunteer and program management, as well as building community collaborative partnerships for an adult literacy organization. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, hiking, biking and traveling.