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Our ALS Care Services

ALS United Illinois provides exceptional care services, the latest resources and information, and premier programming for Persons Living with ALS, their families and caregivers.  With a focus on serving the entire state of Illinois - including the Chicagoland area, Northern, Central, and Southern Illinois - as well as the St. Louis region and Northwest Indiana, we offer a broad range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of those affected by ALS.

There is no cost to Persons Living with ALS and their families for any of the services we provide.

A sampling of services provided free of charge:

Care Services Coord

On-Staff Care Services Coordinators

Offering individual support and home visits to assess needs, suggest equipment, connect with local resources and help families plan.

ALS Clinic

ALS Certified Centers & Clinics

ALS United Illinois supports six ALS Multidisciplinary Clinics including two Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence. 

Adaptive Equipment Lending Program

Adaptive Equipment Lending Program

ALS United Illinois is proud to offer loan equipment to aid in daily living activities and with mobility.

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ALS Online Counseling Services Program

Meet with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to address issues related to depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment issues, and other emotional struggles related to ALS.

Christine

Caregiver Support

From Caregiver Boot Camp to Caregiver specific support groups and programs in-between, we are here to support all ALS Caregivers!

Support Group

Support Groups

We host a plethora of support groups for individuals living with ALS, family members, and friends.

VanTress Family

Support and Resources for Children

Kids Need Support Too!

Page and Whitney

Respite Grant Program

Our caregiver respite grant helps reimburse some of the high cost of additional help at home or can allow a caregiver time away to recharge.

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Support and Resources for Persons with ALS

Explore reliable information, practical tips, educational videos, expert advice, valuable resources.

Living Well With ALS

Living Well with ALS

Living Well with ALS is an educational program covering a variety of ALS-related topics ranging from the latest in worldwide research, to advice and updates from ALS care experts.

ALS United Midwest Care Services Team

Joumana Fawaz Baroody

Joumana Baroody, RN, BSN

Vice President of Care Services
Kellie Branch Dircks

Kellie Branch Dircks, MSW, LCSW

Care Services Coordinator | Social Worker
Peggy Merriman

Peggy Merriman, RN, BSN

Director of Care Services, Illinois
Gema Ramos

Gema Ramos, RN

Care Services Coordinator
Stephanie Barb

Stephanie Barb, MS/CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist
Connie Simpson 1

Connie Simpson, MSW, LCSW

Director of Care Services, Indiana
Brianna Neal1

Brianna Neal, MSW, LSW

Care Services Coordinator | Social Worker
Elizabeth Wu

Elizabeth Wu, MS/CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist
Anna Zelinske

Anna Zelinske

Director of Care Services, Missouri
Snovea Porter 2

Snovea Porter, MSW, LSW

Care Services Coordinator | Social Worker

We can only offer free services with the help of donors and fundraisers like you!

ALS United Illinois is dedicated to providing unparalleled care and support services for Persons Living with ALS, their families, and caregivers. With a focus on serving the Chicagoland area, Northern and Central Illinois, and Northwest Indiana, we offer a broad range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of those affected by ALS. Our services, which are offered at no cost, include individual support from On-Staff Care Services Coordinators who assist with assessing needs, suggesting equipment, and connecting with local resources. Additionally, we support Certified ALS Multidisciplinary Clinics and offer adaptive equipment through our lending program. Our caregiver respite grant addresses the high costs of additional help at home, providing essential support to caregivers. Through support groups, educational programs, and advocacy, we strive to empower individuals and families, making their ALS journey more manageable. Our mission is underpinned by the generous support of our donors and fundraisers, enabling us to offer these vital services for free. Whether you're seeking information, care, or ways to get involved, ALS United Illinois is here to support and guide you every step of the way.