Bereavement Support Program
For family members and friends who have lost a loved one to ALS.
Once a person’s journey with ALS has ended, family members will begin a bereavement process through which they will mourn and face a future without their loved one. The grief process may be very different for each family member, depending on their relationship to the person with ALS. Their closeness to the deceased and their anticipation or preparation for the death will also affect their bereavement process.
Grief is as different for each family member as ALS is for each person living with it. Family members need their own time and space, and relevant support tools to move forward after the loss. As a member of the ALS Golden West community, we hope that you find some of the resources listed below to be helpful and comforting during this difficult time. If you need additional options for support, please reach out to us at careservices@alsagoldenwest.org.
Online Bereavement Support Group
A monthly meeting on the third Tuesday for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to ALS.
There are two meetings—the first is at 11:00am PDT/8:00am HST and the second is at 3:00pm PDT/12:00pm HST.
Contact Support Group Facilitator Daniel Potapshyn, MA at 707-861-0257 or dpotapshyn@alsagoldenwest.org to participate via Zoom.
Tools for Coping through Grief
Myths About Grief
Some of us suffer more because of the myths and unrealistic expectations that society holds about grief.
10 Ways To Cope With Grief
Honor Your Loved Ones Online!
Would you like to honor a loved one diagnosed with ALS? Now you can establish a meaningful online tribute page in honor or memory of your loved one. These pages are customizable with the ability to add photos, text, a custom URL, and more. You can honor your loved one, share the link and invite others to support the ALS community too - create your tribute page today!
Join Team Remember
Created for and by those walking and riding in memory of someone lost to ALS, Team Remember is an opportunity to continue participating and engaging with the ALS community without the full commitment of starting and leading one’s own team.
It can be truly fulfilling to pay tribute to loved ones lost to ALS through Team Remember while knowing your efforts are generating help and hope for those who are still living with ALS today, and for those who will be diagnosed in the future.
Let's remember and celebrate their lives together through our Golden West Community Outreach Events. These in person and online gatherings empower us to share our many stories, laugh and cry together as a community, and raise important awareness and funds as we urgently pursue improved care and effective treatments and cures to defeat ALS.
For more information, please Janelle Webb, Family Outreach Specialist at jwebb@alsagoldenwest.org or at (818) 635-7187.
Day of Remembrance - Saturday, March 23, 2024
Please join us to honor and remember special friends and loved ones lost to ALS.
Virtual via Zoom
Memories Shared · Music · Memorial Scroll · Connect with the ALS Community
IMPORTANT NOTE: As a part of our program, we welcome you to join others in lighting a candle from wherever you are (safely and drip-free). If you would like to participate, please plan to have a votive, candlestick, or some other light source close by.
More information about registration is coming soon. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Janelle Webb, Family Outreach Specialist, at jwebb@alsagoldenwest.org or (818) 635-7187.