The provided source material details a range of free, non-commercial resources and support services available to people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), their families, and caregivers within the United States. These services focus on providing guidance, community connection, educational materials, and logistical assistance, all offered at no cost. The information is derived from official websites of established nonprofit organizations dedicated to the ALS community. It is important to note that the sources do not describe free product samples, promotional offers, or commercial freebies in categories like beauty, baby care, or household goods. Instead, they outline support structures designed to help individuals navigate the challenges associated with ALS.
Overview of Free Support Services
Multiple nonprofit organizations provide free, personalized support to thousands of individuals and families affected by ALS. These services are typically available via phone, email, online resources, and virtual or in-person events. The core focus is on delivering expert guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance without charge.
ALS Worldwide is a nonprofit organization that offers individualized free guidance and support to people living with ALS and their loved ones in the USA and more than 150 countries. Their services are provided via email, online resources, and phone, and they emphasize providing free personalized attention from those with firsthand experience. All donations to the organization fund the care of people with ALS and their loved ones. The organization can be contacted at 608-698-5700 or [email protected].
The ALS Network provides a family of support and connection to care, research, and advocacy. Their professional Care Managers offer expert advice and assistance for people with ALS, free of charge. They also connect individuals to clinical trials and engage in advocacy efforts. The organization invites volunteers and fundraising events to support their mission.
Virtual Support and Education
Several organizations provide free virtual support and educational resources. These include webinars, online support groups, and educational materials accessible to anyone nationwide.
- The ALS Association offers Medicare and insurance navigation services, a Virtual Home Modification and Safety Assessment program, and online educational resources.
- The ALS Network offers educational webinars and unique virtual support groups, including adaptive yoga, groups for unpartnered people with ALS, people with ALS under 50, trach and vent users, LGBTQ+ individuals, Spanish-language groups, and more.
- ALS United provides a variety of online educational events and support groups available to anyone nationwide.
- Compassionate Care ALS (CCALS) offers an innovative and holistic range of in-person and virtual services tailored to each family’s unique needs.
- I AM ALS provides advocacy opportunities, virtual support groups, and ongoing emotional support and logistical guidance for families impacted by ALS.
- The Les Turner ALS Foundation features educational guides, decision tools, and webinars with experts on its website.
- Roon is an app featuring short videos from leading experts that answer common questions about ALS.
- Synapticure is a telemedicine healthcare company that provides personalized care and guidance for people living with ALS via video, phone, and email.
Free ALS Support Groups
The Les Turner ALS Foundation provides free ALS support groups online throughout the year. These groups are open to people living with ALS, people newly diagnosed with ALS, ALS caregivers, and people who have lost a family member, friend, or loved one to ALS. All groups are led by professional facilitators from the Les Turner ALS Foundation, who provide guidance and education to ensure a positive, beneficial experience. For more information or to register, contact [email protected].
Specific support groups include: * General Support Groups: Held on the second Saturday of each month and the first Monday of each month. * Newly Diagnosed ALS Support Group: For individuals processing a new diagnosis. * Young Adult Support Group: A virtual group for young adults ages 18-30, held on the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. CT. Facilitated by Michelle Shaker, LCSW. RSVP is required via email. * Bereavement Groups: * Moving Forward After Loss: Spouse/Partner: 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. Sessions are held in winter (January 27 – March 3), spring (May 5 – June 9), and fall (September 29 – November 3). Time is 6 to 7:30 p.m. CT. Facilitated by Easton Stevenson, LCSW, FT. * Living After Loss: An open, supportive monthly bereavement group for anyone who has lost a family member, friend, or loved one to ALS, held on the fourth Monday of each month.
Financial and Material Assistance
Some organizations provide limited financial and material assistance. ALS Ride for Life offers financial assistance for short-term accessible van rentals, respite care, and legal services. This information is presented in a list format within the source material.
Support for Children and Youth
Several resources are available specifically for children and young adults affected by ALS.
- Hope Loves Company (HLC) provides support to children and young adults affected by ALS, including in-person camps across the United States.
- The ALS Society of Canada has printable PDF booklets that can guide parents, children, teens, and educators when a family member is diagnosed with ALS. (Note: This resource is from the ALS Society of Canada, which may have specific eligibility or availability for U.S. residents.)
- The ALS Association offers youth education books and guides in addition to guides for parents and educators working with children impacted by ALS.
- Inheritance of Hope (IoH) is a national charity that offers hope, support, and community through online, on-site, and ongoing offerings for young families facing the loss of a parent.
Additional Free Resources
A variety of other free resources are available to the ALS community.
- ALS Family of Faith provides Christ-centered love and support at no cost to individuals living with ALS, families, and caregivers.
- ALS Forums is an online, volunteer-moderated forum and support group for people affected by ALS.
- ALS News Today is a news and information website that posts daily about the latest ALS science and research news.
- Her ALS Story provides a network where young women diagnosed with ALS can connect, advocate, educate, raise awareness, and collaborate.
- The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) supports ALS clinics and provides educational materials.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) website has trusted information. (The source material does not specify the exact nature of the trusted information available on the NIH website.)
- A specific resource for United States citizens diagnosed with ALS qualifies them for free audiobooks provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. The website for this service is the NLS at the Library of Congress.
Conclusion
The provided sources detail a comprehensive network of free, non-commercial support services for individuals and families affected by ALS in the United States. These services, offered by established nonprofit organizations, include personalized guidance, virtual and in-person support groups, educational materials, financial and material assistance, and specialized resources for children and young adults. The focus is entirely on providing care, connection, and logistical support to help navigate the challenges of ALS. The information does not extend to free product samples, promotional offers, or commercial freebies in consumer categories. Individuals seeking these support services are directed to contact the respective organizations directly, as each has its own registration and contact processes.