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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.alsab.ca
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ALS Society of Alberta
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260820T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260820T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260324T191006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T204003Z
UID:10000031-1787216400-1787259600@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:ALS Caregiver Coffee: A Slight Change of Plans
DESCRIPTION:ALS caregiver coffee and conversation inspired by A Slight Change of Plans\, Life\, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad Part 1 & Part 2 \n\n\n\nPodcast: A Slight Change of Plans\, Life\, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad Part 1 & Part 2 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for the August ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering.  \n\n\n\nFor this session\, we will listen to and discuss A Slight Change of Plans\, Life\, Interrupted with Suleika Jaouad Part 1 & Part 2 \n\n\n\nYou are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation\, connection\, and community. \n\n\n\nThis session is offered at two times:  \n\n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM\, Atco Cafe. \n\n\n\nEvening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM\, Alforno Eau Claire. \n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration 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.
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/als-caregiver-coffee-a-slight-change-of-plans/
LOCATION:Alforno Coffee\, 222 7 Street SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Caregiver,caregiver connection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/aug-a-slight-change-of-plans-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260912T000000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260912T235959
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260116T171821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T174411Z
UID:10000006-1789171200-1789257599@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:Side by Side for ALS Lethbridge
DESCRIPTION:Henderson Lake – Horseshoe Pits \n\n\n\nThe 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.  \n\n\n\nWe call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n     Registration is Now Open\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout 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.  \n\n\n\n\nBut 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.  \n\n\n\nThere 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.  \n\n\n\nMichael 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.   \n\n\n\nThankfully\, 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.   \n\n\n\nWe 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.  \n\n\n\nMichael 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. 
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/side-by-side-for-als-lethbridge/
LOCATION:Henderson Lake Park (Horseshoe Pits)\, 2727 S Parkside Dr\, Lethbridge
CATEGORIES:Key Event,Side by Side
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Region_SBS-Lethbridge.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260913T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260913T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260309T214141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T215932Z
UID:10000023-1789300800-1789308000@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:Side by Side for ALS - Wainwright
DESCRIPTION:Blessed Sacrament School \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nWe call on communities across Alberta to strengthen every connection and create lasting impact in the fight against ALS. \n\n\n\nFull event details will be available soon. We can’t wait to see you there. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n     Registration is Now Open\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n  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. \n\n  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. \n\n  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? \n\n  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. \n\n  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. \n\n\n\n\nWe 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. \n\n\n\nLast 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. \n\n\n\nWithout 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. \n\n\n\nSurrounded 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. \n\n\n\nI 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.
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/side-by-side-for-als-wainwright/
LOCATION:Blessed Sacrament School\, 1321 4 Ave\, \, AB T9W 2R7\, Wainwright
CATEGORIES:Key Event,Side by Side
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_1108.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260917T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260917T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260324T192114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T204102Z
UID:10000032-1789635600-1789678800@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:ALS Caregiver Book Club: Everything Happens for a Reason
DESCRIPTION:ALS caregiver book club discussion of Book: Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Have Loved by Kate Bowler. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBook: Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I Have Loved by Kate Bowler. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin 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. \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nThese gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect\, reflect\, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey. \n\n\n\nYou are welcome whether you have finished the book or not. The goal is conversation\, connection\, and community.  \n\n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM\, Atco Cafe. \n\n\n\nEvening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM\, Alforno Eau Claire. \n\n\n\n\nRegistration 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.
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/als-caregiver-book-club-everything-happens-for-a-reason/
LOCATION:Alforno Coffee\, 222 7 Street SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Caregiver,caregiver connection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sept-everything-happens-for-a-reason-1.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261015T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261015T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260324T195257Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T204854Z
UID:10000034-1792054800-1792098000@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:ALS Caregiver Coffee: All There Is\, Creating a Companionship with Grief
DESCRIPTION:ALS caregiver coffee and conversation inspired by All There Is – Creating a Companionship with Grief. \n\n\n\nPodcast: All There Is – Creating a Companionship with Grief. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for the October ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering.  \n\n\n\nFor this session\, we will listen to and discuss Anderson Cooper’s podcast: All There Is – Creating a Companionship with Grief. \n\n\n\nThese gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect\, reflect\, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey. \n\n\n\nYou are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation\, connection\, and community. \n\n\n\nThis session is offered at two times:  \n\n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM\, Atco Cafe. \n\n\n\nEvening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM\, Alforno Eau Claire. \n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration 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.
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/als-caregiver-coffee-all-there-is-creating-a-companionship-with-grief/
LOCATION:Alforno Coffee\, 222 7 Street SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Caregiver,caregiver connection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/oct-creating-a-companionship-with-grief.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261119T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261119T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260324T194809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T204248Z
UID:10000033-1795078800-1795122000@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:ALS Caregiver Book Club: Bittersweet
DESCRIPTION:ALS caregiver book club discussion of Bittersweet by Susan Cain and the hidden strength in sadness and longing. \n\n\n\nBook: Bittersweet by Susan Cain \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for the November ALS Caregiver Book Club. For this session\, we will read and discuss Bittersweet by Susan Cain.  \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nThese gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect\, reflect\, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey. \n\n\n\nYou are welcome whether you have finished the book or not. The goal is conversation\, connection\, and community.  \n\n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM\, Atco Cafe. \n\n\n\nEvening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM\, Alforno Eau Claire. \n\n\n\n\nRegistration 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.
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/als-caregiver-book-club-bittersweet/
LOCATION:Alforno Coffee\, 222 7 Street SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Caregiver,caregiver connection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/nov-bittersweet.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261217T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261217T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T072202
CREATED:20260324T195740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T204418Z
UID:10000035-1797498000-1797541200@www.alsab.ca
SUMMARY:ALS Caregiver Coffee: All There Is - Anticipatory Grief
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a relaxed ALS caregiver coffee gathering and conversation inspired by the podcast All There Is – Anticipatory Grief. \n\n\n\nPodcast: All There Is – Anticipatory Grief. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for the December ALS Caregiver Coffee gathering.  \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nThese gatherings are a space for ALS caregivers to connect\, reflect\, and talk openly with others who understand the caregiving journey.  \n\n\n\nYou are welcome whether you have listened to the episode or not. The goal is conversation\, connection\, and community.  \n\n\n\nThis session is offered at two times:  \n\n\n\n\nMorning: 9:00 – 11:00 AM\, Atco Cafe. \n\n\n\nEvening: 7:00 – 9:00 PM\, Alforno Eau Claire. \n\n\n\n\nRegistration 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.
URL:https://www.alsab.ca/event/als-caregiver-coffee-all-there-is-anticipatory-grief/
LOCATION:Alforno Coffee\, 222 7 Street SW\, Calgary\, Alberta\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Caregiver,caregiver connection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.alsab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/dec-anticipatory-grief.png
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