Support Groups
Monthly support groups offer the opportunity for patients and caregivers to give and receive emotional support and to share information and practical experience. Each group is often led by two professional facilitators, which allows participants to divide into a patient group and a caregiver group. The atmosphere allows people to express their feelings about ALS openly, whether they be fear, anger or guilt. Foundation support groups provide a welcoming environment, focused on the well-being of each person and are offered at no cost.

Support groups help patients and caregivers feel a sense of camaraderie with others who are living with this devastating disease. No one can understand the feelings and emotions involved better than another patient or caregiver who is also struggling to live with ALS. At support group meetings, some things just do not have to be explained as they often do in other social situations.The group provides a kind of emotional respite, with understanding and care.

Facilitators

Shari Diamond, R.N., B.S.N., ALS nurse consultant, received her bachelor of science in nursing from Northwestern University. Shari was previously the clinical nurse coordinator at the Lois Insolia ALS Center from 1986 to 1991. Prior to that, she was a head nurse on the ENT/Head and Neck Oncology Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She has since worked as a nurse clinical manager at a long term care facility run by the Council for the Jewish Elderly.

Laurie B. Fieldman, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., director of social services, received a master's degree from the University of Chicago in 1993 and one from National Louis University in 1992.

Anne Lidsky, Ph.D., 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 Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University.

Ileane Mindel, R.N., ALS nurse consultant, graduated from Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing of the City University of New York and previously worked at Hospice of the North Shore where she served as Coordinator of Patient Care and Payer Development.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have any questions on support groups, please contact Claire Owen, LPN, director of patient services, at (847) 679-3311 or cowen@lesturnerals.org.

The following 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 to the Foundation at (847) 679-3311 if you are planning to attend any of these meetings. If no one responds, meetings will not be held.

For more information or to be placed on our support group mailing list, contact Claire Owen, Director of Patient Services at   cowen@lesturnerals.org   or (847) 679-3311.