Laurie Fieldman works with patients and their families at the Lois Insolia Center and also facilitates the family support groups in Libertyville, Elk Grove Village and Orland Park. These are run concurrently with patient groups facilitated by Ileane Mindel. I think the most rewarding work you can do is to help people at a most difficult time in life. It forces the patient and family to deal with states of being that never happen with other illnesses. Don't come once and then give up.
Timing is important.
Some people are ready for a support group immediately, others not until later. The Dena Chiodras Saran PALS Fund seeks to return some measure of empowerment to patients and their families by offering counseling in the privacy of their homes. A staff member with a Masters in Social Work is available to help families with emotional issues such as acceptance, denial, transitions, depression, sadness, anger, anxiety and guilt as well as to offer support and guidance through difficult issues of advanced medical directives, life support, hospice and bereavement. The Fund is an adjunct service to the social services available at the Lois Insolia ALS Center and to the Home Liaison services provided by the Foundation. The Fund is intended for short term or crises intervention.