ALS Society of Alberta

ALS Caregiver Book Club: Bearing the Unbearable
2026-05-21 09:00 - 21:00 UTC | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver book club discussion of Bearing the Unbearable, exploring grief, loss, and resilience.

Book: Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore

Join us for the May ALS Caregiver Book Club, part of our ALS Caregiver Coffee & Book Club series hosted by Kelsie Snow.

For this session, we will read and discuss Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore.

Borrow from Calgary Public Library

This book explores grief, loss, and how people learn to live with profound change. Our discussion will focus on how these themes connect to the ALS caregiving journey.

These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You are welcome whether you have finished the book or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

Side by Side for ALS Drayton Valley
2026-06-06 00:00 - 23:59 | Lions West Valley Park, 49 Avenue, Rocky Rapids, Alberta, T7A 0B6
The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

We call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS.

Full event details will be available will be available soon. We can’t wait to see you there.

Registration is Now Open

Side by Side for ALS Edmonton
2026-06-13 00:00 - 23:59 | Rundle Park Family Centre, 2903 - 113 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta
Rundle Park Family Centre

The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

We call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS.

Full event details will be available will be available soon. We can’t wait to see you there.

Register or Donate Here!

Sign-up to Volunteer!

Registration is Now Open

Hi, I’m Kenneth Shock. My journey to an ALS diagnosis was basically a choose-your-own-adventure book where every path led to “tripping over nothing” or “talking like I gargled gravel.” I wrote it off for years as “moving too fast” (spoiler: the floor disagreed) or “just tired” (my voice had other plans). Officially, I got the PLS (Primary Lateral Sclerosis) label in June 2023, and then in January 2024, they upgraded me to an ALS diagnosis. Think of it as going from bronze to platinum status…except the perks are terrible.

Here’s the deal: ALS has stolen a bunch of things from me: balance, a normal-sounding voice, and the ability to look cool while falling. But it will NEVER take away my sense of humor. Or my terrible dad jokes. Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts… and apparently neither do my legs anymore!

I’ve decided to stop focusing on what’s leaving and start focusing on what’s still here: making new memories, laughing until my abs hurt (which they still can, thank you very much), and squeezing every ounce of joy out of life. This role isn’t about standing on a pedestal; it’s about standing side by side with every person living with ALS, every caregiver powering through another tough day, every family member holding on tight, and every friend, neighbour, and stranger who says, “I’m in this fight with you.”

None of this would be possible without the incredible, unwavering support of my wife, who’s been my rock, my cheerleader, and my best laugh partner through every stumble and silly moment, and my amazing family and friends who lift me up (literally and figuratively) every single day. I’m also deeply grateful for the ALS Society of Alberta, whose tireless work provides the equipment, resources, support groups, and hope that make the hard days bearable and the good days even brighter.

ALS is a tough opponent. It sneaks in. It tries to steal strength, speech, movement, the everyday things I used to take for granted. But here’s the thing: I will never let any disease dictate my spirit. My motto is “laugh into the darkness.” I laugh because laughter is medicine, the kind no prescription can match. I laugh at the ridiculous moments that sneak in amid the hard ones. I laugh because every chuckle is a tiny rebellion, a spark that says, “ALS, you don’t get to win today.”

This year, I want you to walk in remembrance and in hope, because every step we take together lights up the darkness just a little more. I want you to walk for better treatments, for a cure on the horizon, for equipment that gives dignity back, for support that lets families breathe easier. I want you to walk because research is advancing, stories are being shared, and a community like this one is unstoppable.
I’m honoured to be Edmonton’s 2026 Side by Side for ALS Ambassador because I want to prove that even with ALS trying to slow me down, I can still live fast, laugh loud, and walk together, maybe with a walker, maybe with a cane, but definitely with a smile.
Come join me at Side by Side for ALS on June 13, 2026, at Rundle Park Family Centre in Edmonton. Every step counts, every laugh helps, and I promise at least one more dad joke. Let’s show ALS who’s boss… or at least who’s got the better punchlines.

Edmonton Event Day Highlights

9:00 AM
Registration Opens & Event Festivities Begin

9:00 AM
Live Music, Kids’ Zone & Activities

9:30 AM
Ambassador & Welcome Remarks

10:00 AM
Warm-Up, Ribbon Cutting & Walk Start

11:15 AM
Fundraising Celebrations, Awards & Lunch

Ongoing
Music, Entertainment, Food & Refreshments

ALS doesn’t get the last word. We do.

Side by Side for ALS Camrose
2026-06-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Mirror Lake Park, Camrose, Alberta
The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

Join us Side by Side for ALS in Camrose and help raise funds for client support services and research!

June 14, 2026

Mirror Lake ParkRegistration: 9:30 am Kick-off: 10 am

Registration is Now Open

Hi, my name is Conrad Gotzmann, and I am proud to be the 2026 Side by Side Ambassador for Camrose, Alberta.

I first noticed something was wrong while working on my car. After tightening some bolts, my hand couldn’t let go of the wrench. It just wouldn’t open up. I brushed it off as just a weird occurrence.

About a year later, as more symptoms appeared, I saw my family doctor. From there I found myself moving from one specialist to another, until eventually I arrived at the ALS Clinic. After initially being diagnosed as PLS and undergoing multiple follow ups and EMG’s, my diagnosis was changed to ALS.

Living with ALS is difficult. Every moment, every breath, every step, every word, is a reminder that I have ALS.

During an ALS Society of Alberta support group last year, I was in awe listening to another group member, Jenna Doll, tell her story. Even while losing her independence, she spoke about the joy still found in life.

After discovering that Jenna was Wainwright’s Ambassador last year, I decided I wanted to surprise her there and shake her hand. I had never been to Wainwright before, but it felt important to go.

Upon arriving, using the “I am here for Jenna” tags on peoples shirts, I looked for “I am here for Jenna”. I asked the first person I saw with the tag and asked where is Jenna? Sadly, she had passed away just days prior. By chance, and out of nearly 200 people there that day, I had just asked her caregivers.

I was devastated. I wanted to shake her hand.

My purpose had then changed, I decided I would be the last person walking the track that day, in honour of my friend Jenna. When the event finished and everything was getting packed up, I kept walking. Eventually, only three other people were present and they asked what I was doing. When I explained, they joined me for the final lap to complete 10 kilometers walked.

Those three people ended up being Jenna’s family. Although she wasn’t there physically, we all agreed that Jenna was with us “in spirit” as we walked that final lap.

There is no predictability with ALS. Progression varies from person to person, from day to day. That day helped me learn. Focus on what makes you happy.

ALS is my new reality, but along the way I’ve learned something important: to truly receive, we have to be willing to give first. It is something I wear with pride (literally), as I wear my ALS shirt every day when I walk around Millenium Place. It’s more than just a shirt, it’s a signal. It’s an invitation to talk, to connect, and to raise awareness. ALS shouldn’t be pushed aside, it deserves to be openly talked about.

Now, it is important for me to share the realities of ALS. Like Jenna helped me during the support groups, I want to help others find what makes them happy. I regularly ask others during our meetings, and out in the community, what truly makes them happy. Because at the end of the day, this is my life, and it’s important that I enjoy it.

ALS is so much more than three letters, it’s about community, loved ones, and togetherness.

While I live alone with ALS, no one goes through this alone. I want to be Side by Side with all Albertans, no matter the community. This is why I am so proud to be the Camrose Side by Side Ambassador for 2026. Whether you live in Camrose, a neighbouring community, or have never been but have always wanted to go, I hope to see you Side by Side with me at Mirror Lake Park on June 14.

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Side by Side for ALS Calgary
2026-06-14 00:00 - 23:59 | North Glenmore Park, 7305 Crowchild Trl SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 5N5, Canada
The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta. Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

Join us on June 14 at North Glenmore Park as our Calgary community comes together in support of individuals and families living with and affected by ALS.

No matter how you choose to participate, every dollar raised stays right here in Alberta. Your support helps fund client services, provide essential equipment at no cost, and advance ALS research in our province.

Walk or run, faster or slower, solo or as part of a team, you are part of something that matters.

Because no one should face ALS alone.

Register Here!

Sign-up to Volunteer!

Walk or Run Side by Side

In Calgary, you have the option to move Side by Side in a way that feels right for you.

Whether you are walking in support of someone you love, or ready to take on a new challenge, this is the only Side by Side for ALS event with a run option. Participants can choose between a 5 km walk or an 8 km fun run, both set in the beautiful pathways of North Glenmore Park.

There is no pressure to choose a pace or distance when you register. This day is about coming together, showing up, and moving Side by Side with the ALS community.

5 km Walk

The 5 km walk is accessible, welcoming, and built for connection.

Walk with friends, family, coworkers, or alongside others who understand the impact of ALS. Strollers, kids, and four-legged supporters are all welcome (leashed). Take it at your own pace and focus on what matters most: being part of something bigger.

8 km Fun Run

Looking to challenge yourself? The 8 km fun run is a meaningful way to do it.

This is not a race unless you want it to be. There are no race bibs or official chip timing, but a course clock will be available if you would like to track your own time. Whether you are pushing for a personal best or simply enjoying the run, the only competition here is with yourself.

It is also a great opportunity to build momentum for the summer running season. Use it as a training run, a confidence boost, or a stepping stone toward a future race.

Every step helps raise awareness and funds to support Albertans living with and affected by ALS.

Register Here!

Calgary Event Day Highlights

9:00 AM
Registration Opens & Event Festivities Begin

9:15 AM
Live Music, Kids’ Zone & Activities

9:40 AM
MC & Ambassador Remarks

9:50 AM
Warm-Up for Runners & Walkers

10:00 AM
8 KM Fun Run Begins

10:10 AM
5 KM Walk Begins

11:15 AM
Awards & Fundraising Celebrations

Dan Pubben, 2026 Calgary Side by Side Ambassador

I’m honored to be your Calgary’s 2026 Side by Side for ALS Ambassador! I want to show you that even in the face of something so dark, it’s possible to be a light and stay strong in the face of adversity.

Whether you’re one of my fellow pALS, a selfless and incredibly important caregiver, a loved one of someone who fought courageously with ALS, or a member of Alberta’s ALS community, please join me on June 14 at North Glenmore Park to walk, run, or roll and stand up to ALS.

Because we don’t sit back. We stand tall, side by side. And we fight together.

Read Dan’s Full Story Here

ALS Caregiver Coffee: Modern Love
2026-06-18 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver coffee and conversation inspired by the Modern Love essay The Love Poem Andrea Gibson Wrote for Their Widow.

Podcast: The Love Poem Andrea Gibson Wrote for Their Widow…and for You

Join us for the June ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering. These sessions are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

For this session, we will listen to and discuss Modern Love – The Love Poem Andrea Gibson Wrote for Their Widow…and for You.

You are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

This session is offered at two times:

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

Side by Side for ALS Cold Lake
2026-06-20 00:00 - 23:59 | Lakeland Lutheran Church, Cold Lake, T9M 2E6

Side by Side for ALS Red Deer
2026-06-21 00:00 - 23:59 | Bower Ponds Park, 4715 Fountain Dr, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 6W4
The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

Full event details will be available will be available soon. We can’t wait to see you there.

Registration is Now Open

Dan Breton, 2026 Red Deer Side by Side for ALS Ambassador

ALS Caregiver Book Club: The Grieving Brain
2026-07-16 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver book club discussion of The Grieving Brain, exploring the science of grief and loss.

Book: The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor

Join us for the July ALS Caregiver Book Club. For this session, we will read and discuss The Grieving Brain.

This book explores the science behind grief, loss, and how our brains adapt after profound change. Our conversation will connect these ideas to caregiving, anticipatory grief, and loss.

For this session, we will read and discuss The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor.

This book explores grief, loss, and how people learn to live with profound change. Our discussion will focus on how these themes connect to the ALS caregiving journey.

These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You are welcome whether you have finished the book or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

Quonset Days
2026-07-17 17:00 - 2026-07-19 02:00 | Quonset Days, 10308 Range Rd 81, Cypress County, T0K 1Z0
Quonset Days was started as a tribute to a loving husband and father, Peter Biemans, who passed away in 2009 after a hard-fought battle with ALS.

Every penny raised from Quonset Days directly supports the ALS Society of Alberta for vital support of those living with and affected by ALS, as well as promising provincial research. Since 2010, Quonset Days has raised over $750,000 for the ALS Society of Alberta!

Reserve your tickets now! RV Camping and VIP Passes sell out quickly.

Quonset Days Tickets

4th Annual Cycle for ALS
2026-08-15 00:00 - 23:59 | The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre, 100 Mt Norquay Rd #2F, Banff, Alberta
Registration is now open!

Set against the stunning backdrop of Banff and the Rocky Mountains, the 4th Annual Cycle for ALS is a powerful day of connection, resilience, and community.

This event was created in 2023 by Rita Stegerman and continues to grow through the dedication of her son Cody, her husband George, and a passionate community committed to making a difference.

Starting at the Fenlands Recreation Centre in Banff, participants can choose from three scenic route options and ride at their own pace.

Whether you take on a shorter ride or challenge yourself with the full distance, every kilometre represents hope, awareness, and progress.

This includes rest stops, lunch, and a post-ride meal, creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for riders of all abilities.

Ride solo, join a team, or start your own.

Register or donate today!

ALS Caregiver Coffee: A Slight Change of Plans
2026-08-20 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver coffee and conversation inspired by A Slight Change of Plans, Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad Part 1 & Part 2

Podcast: A Slight Change of Plans, Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad Part 1 & Part 2

Join us for the August ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering.

For this session, we will listen to and discuss A Slight Change of Plans, Life, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad Part 1 & Part 2

You are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

This session is offered at two times:

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

Side by Side for ALS Lethbridge
2026-09-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Henderson Lake Park (Horseshoe Pits), 2727 S Parkside Dr, Lethbridge
Henderson Lake – Horseshoe Pits

The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

We call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS.

Registration is Now Open

Throughout his life, Michael has been the definition of a hardworking man. He dedicated three decades of his life to Molson’s Brewery, working in Lethbridge, Calgary, and Edmonton to provide for his family. He was a man of action, and when he finally reached his well-earned retirement, he didn’t slow down. He filled his days with the things he loved most: hunting and fishing with family and friends and meticulously tending to his yard and puttering in his garage. Without question, Michael would drop everything to help someone in need. He showed his love not just in words, but in the steady work of his hands and his presence at every family gathering from Lethbridge to Medicine Hat.

But our world began to shift long before we had a name for what was happening. We noticed the subtle changes first: a loss of mobility in his left shoulder, strange twitching in his muscles, and an exhaustion that seemed impossible for a man who couldn’t sit still. We watched him struggle with simple tasks that had always been second nature. The turning point came during a medical exam, a moment we will never forget. The doctor couldn’t get a reading because Michael’s muscles were “jumping” so much. That was the day a doctor first spoke the letters ALS. After a series of tests at the South Campus hospital in Calgary, our fears were confirmed. On January 2, 2024, Michael was officially diagnosed and our lives were forever changed.

There is a heavy sorrow in bearing witness to this disease for all of Michael’s family and friends. It is heart-wrenching to watch a man who spent his life as the pillar of our family—the one we all leaned on—navigate a slow, relentless physical decline. ALS is a thief that tries to steal a person’s independence. Watching Michael face a challenge that cannot be mended with tools or a long day’s work is a grief that touches our hearts every single day. Despite this, he is still the husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who anchors us, meeting this incredibly difficult challenge with a grace that leaves us in awe. He has taught us that while ALS can take his strength, it cannot touch his character and his spirit.

Michael has shown us a level of bravery we never knew possible. He has met every devastating milestone of this disease with a relentlessly positive attitude. We have watched Michael take each loss in stride—from the day he could no longer get behind the wheel, to the first time he reached for a cane, to the transition into a wheelchair, and the installation of a stair lift in his home. At the center of these transitions is Jane, Michael’s loving wife of 58 years. She has been an incredible support for Michael and our entire family. Jane stepped into the role of caregiver with a depth of love and patience that is nothing short of heroic. Jane selflessly navigates the daily complexities of this disease, ensuring Michael is always comfortable and never feels alone.

Thankfully, Michael has not had to carry this burden alone. He is surrounded by family and friends who provide unwavering love and support. The ALS Society of Alberta has been nothing short of amazing—an essential lifeline providing the knowledge, expertise, and equipment we need to navigate this journey. The kind and caring staff at the South Campus Calgary Hospital have been our partners in care, ensuring Mike is treated with the dignity and kindness all those suffering with ALS deserve.

We are walking for the man who spent a lifetime being there for family and friends and who now needs us to stand tall for him. We are walking for Jane, and for every family who provides care with tired arms and full hearts. Most of all, we are walking for the hope that one day, no more families will have to fight this horrible disease.

Michael is honoured to be your Lethbridge 2026 Side-by-Side ALS Ambassador. Please consider joining us for the Walk Together for ALS. When we walk together, we ensure that Michael, and families like ours, are never left to walk alone.

Side by Side for ALS - Wainwright
2026-09-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Blessed Sacrament School, 1321 4 Ave, , AB T9W 2R7, Wainwright
Blessed Sacrament School

The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

We call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS.

Full event details will be available soon. We can’t wait to see you there.

Registration is Now Open

Hi, my name is Jennifer Leggett and I am honoured to be the 2026 Side by Side Ambassador for Wainwright, Alberta and to pick up the torch from Jenna Doll, who spearheaded the Wainwright walk for many years, also known as Jenna’s Walk.

My husband and I have been married for 41 years and live in Wainwright. We have a son and daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren here in Wainwright, and another son in Calgary.

After 36 years of working as an administrative assistant and only a few months into retirement, I began experiencing symptoms of weakness in my hands, and then in my legs. I was always giving my husband the gears for tightening container lids too much. I thought I was just getting older and weaker when I had more trouble coming up the stairs. When I finally sought medical help in January 2025, I had a quick trip through the medical system and on April 17, 2025, I got the answer to my questions. ALS. I had ALS, now what?

The weeks after that were a blur. Through it all, with my family and friends by my side, I knew I was well supported. We also saw great community support from Wainwright and the surrounding area and many offers of help. Whether it was food or offers to help move things to allow for our renovations, or even visits to keep life a little bit normal, it was very much appreciated.

It is all so important for a person living with an ALS diagnosis, as the disease is unforgiving and everchanging. Every time we thought we had figured out how to proceed, a change in my condition would make us reload and re-think the way forward. And moving forward is what we need to do.

We have had the help of friends who got us a ramp, by family who helped me access those difficult places, by friends who have kept an eye on how we were doing by phone or text or in person. I am determined to keep moving forwards and increasing my accessibility. Although it can get complicated and things are changing for me, I am determined to fight for my accessibility and independence, through everchanging equipment, or even travelling to our family cabin at a nearby lake.

Last year was our first year of being involved with the ALS Society of Alberta’s major fundraising walks. We were impressed by the support we saw and received in Wainwright last year, and the willingness of people to step up when asked. With Jenna’s passing last year, the ALS Society of Alberta asked me to be the Ambassador for Side By Side for ALS in Wainwright this year, and I readily agreed, knowing its importance to all of us in the ALS community.

Without the help of the ALS Society of Alberta, I would not have been able to stay in our home, even with all of the renovations we did. The equipment they supplied has let me eat, sleep, and live in our house. I went from using a walker in July to using an electric wheelchair and Sit2Stand lift in October. Early in 2026 I began to need a full Hoyer lift, and I am still able to move around and go places with my electric wheelchair, and the ALS Society of Alberta has provided all of this equipment for free. This is why Side by Side for ALS is so important, because the funds raised allow the ALS Society of Alberta to purchase and maintain equipment for their loan program, which allows people like me to improve the way they live with this horrible disease.

Surrounded by my family and friends, and with support from the ALS Clinic, the ALS Society of Alberta, and generous people all over Alberta, I plan to try to live my life the best I can for as long as I can.

I take pride in being the 2026 Side by Side for ALS Ambassador in Wainwright, and look forward to seeing you all there on September 13, at the Blessed Sacrament School track.

ALS Caregiver Book Club: Everything Happens for a Reason
2026-09-17 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver book club discussion of Book: Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Have Loved by Kate Bowler.

Book: Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Have Loved by Kate Bowler.

Join us for the September ALS Caregiver Book Club. For this session, we will read and discuss Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Have Loved by Kate Bowler.

This book explores illness, grief, faith, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of difficult experiences. Our discussion will focus on how these ideas connect to caregiving and navigating uncertainty.

These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You are welcome whether you have finished the book or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

Side by Side for ALS - Hinton
2026-09-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Beaver Boardwalk, 408 Collinge Rd, Hinton, Alberta, Canada
Beaver Boardwalk – Hinton

The ALS Society of Alberta is excited to introduce a new name and look for our walk and run events across Alberta! Side by Side for ALS is inspired by Betty’s legacy (of “Betty’s Run”) and driven by hope.

We call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS.

Full event details will be available soon. We can’t wait to see you there.

Register or Donate Today!

ALS Caregiver Coffee: All There Is, Creating a Companionship with Grief
2026-10-15 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver coffee and conversation inspired by All There Is – Creating a Companionship with Grief.

Podcast: All There Is – Creating a Companionship with Grief.

Join us for the October ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering.

For this session, we will listen to and discuss Anderson Cooper’s podcast: All There Is – Creating a Companionship with Grief.

These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

This session is offered at two times:

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

ALS Caregiver Book Club: Bittersweet
2026-11-19 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
ALS caregiver book club discussion of Bittersweet by Susan Cain and the hidden strength in sadness and longing.

Book: Bittersweet by Susan Cain

Join us for the November ALS Caregiver Book Club. For this session, we will read and discuss Bittersweet by Susan Cain.

This book explores how sadness, longing, and vulnerability can also be sources of strength, connection, and meaning. Our conversation will connect these ideas to caregiving and the ALS journey.

These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You are welcome whether you have finished the book or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.

ALS Caregiver Coffee: All There Is - Anticipatory Grief
2026-12-17 09:00 - 21:00 | Alforno Coffee, 222 7 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Join us for a relaxed ALS caregiver coffee gathering and conversation inspired by the podcast All There Is – Anticipatory Grief.

Podcast: All There Is – Anticipatory Grief.

Join us for the December ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering.

For this session, we will listen to and discuss All There Is – Anticipatory Grief. These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

These gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect, reflect, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.

You are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation, connection, and community.

This session is offered at two times:

Morning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM, Atco Cafe.

Evening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Alforno Eau Claire.

Registration is required for each session. Please note that the registration platform may display a payment information screen, but payment is not required. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration is complete.
