Northbrook Resident To Be Honored By Les Turner ALS Foundation

NORTHBROOK, IL — For the past 40 years, Dr. Anne Lidsky has served as a support group facilitator with the Les Turner ALS Foundation. The Northbrook resident will be honored this weekend with the organization's Hope Through Caring Award.

ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that weakens the muscles used to move, swallow, and breathe, which grows more severe over time and eventually is fatal.

"We are grateful for our own Les Turner ALS support group facilitator, Anne Lidsky, for tapping into her unique experiences with ALS providing the gift of caring and guidance over the past four decades supporting those who need it most," said Laura Freveletti, chief executive officer of the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

The Les Turner ALS Foundation, founded in 1977, is the oldest independent ALS group in the US. Its mission is "to provide the most comprehensive care and support to people living with ALS and their families in the Chicago area so they can confidently navigate the disease and have access to the most promising therapies."

The gala will be held Saturday at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago.

According to the organization, Lidsky reflects on her mother's diagnosis with ALS and how as a teenager she assumed the role of primary caregiver for her mother when she was home from school. Lidsky's personal perspective with ALS of bringing compassion to the ALS support groups she facilitates.

"Dr. Lidsky has vivid memories of making homemade soup and other concoctions for her mother’s feeding tube," Freveletti said. "She understands well the impact of ALS and creates an environment for caregivers to express their emotions freely, to cry and to be honest with one another, while also finding moments of joy and self-care."

To make a donation or participate in the virtual silent auction for the gala, visit the website.