Cultivating Compassion Education Series February Gatherings |
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What Happens If I Can No Longer Eat?
Medical Nutrition for Those Living with ALS |
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presented by David Seres, MD, former Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center
Sunday, February 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. ET |
David Seres, MD, has been a medical nutrition specialist for 35 years, and recently retired as Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, NY. He is an internationally recognized expert at providing nutrition support for patients with ALS, and many other conditions when eating is no longer possible, as well as a medical ethicist. He will review the different options for nutrition support, especially feeding with a tube, for people with ALS. His talk will review the timing and decision-making process for choosing whether and when to receive tube feeding, and by which route. Included will be a discussion of the efficacy of tube feeding, as well as some of the risks associated with the tubes that are used. |
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Beyond ALS
February 5, 6:30pm ET |
Join a welcoming group of men and women who have lost a loved one to ALS. Share openly with others who are rebuilding their lives after profound loss. This interactive gathering will highlight where we are now and what may feel different: our identity, our values, our approach to spirituality, and more. We will listen deeply to each other’s stories about the new experiences of building relationships, contentment with solitude, or challenges as a single parent. But, most importantly, come to enjoy and appreciate the company of others who have come to experience the precious nature of human life. |
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Trauma Healing
February 11, 7:00pm ET |
Julie Yau, Ph.D., SEP, will be hosting a monthly gathering for our community focused on trauma awareness and healing. Dr. Julie is the Trauma and Spiritual Care Liaison for CCALS. We have long recognized how traumatic an ALS diagnosis is, and the continuing challenges and trauma that can arise while living with ALS. Dr. Julie is a renowned trauma specialist and author of the powerful trauma healing book, "The Body Awareness Workbook for Trauma." |
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Caregiver to Caregiver
February 12, 3:00pm ET |
Join the informal gathering designed to offer genuine support for those engaged in ALS caregiving. Enjoy the opportunity to be with other folks who have an intimate understanding of ALS and share your unique point of view as a caregiver. It is truly a meaningful experience to sit in council with ALS caregivers, to practice heart-centered listening, bear witness to our journeys and those of others, and to support and be supported without judgment. |
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Sons and Daughters of ALS Guided by Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder
February 12, 7:00pm ET |
Sons and Daughters of ALS, hosted by CCALS Founder and Director, Ron Hoffman, is designed for those 18 years to 30- somethings who have experienced a parent, or close loved one, struggling from symptoms, diagnosis, decline or death with ALS. Growing up with the intensity and complexity of ALS in our family can shake us to the very core. It is often hard to comprehend or describe the ways that this disease shapes our past, present and future. If you are living with, or have lived with, the impact of a parent with ALS, you are invited to join our zoom gathering for Sons and Daughters of ALS. With deep listening, in the company of others who know the similarity of the uninvited path of having a parent with ALS, we will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connection, awareness and healing. |
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Men of ALS Guided by Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder
February 19, 2:00pm ET |
Join us for a time of brotherhood and belonging for men living with ALS, or men caring for someone with the disease. This group operates as a council circle that encourages deep listening, acceptance, and an invitation to be genuine about what is going on in your life. |
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Women of ALS
February 19, 3:00pm ET |
Enjoy the connection and unique perspective of other women living with ALS, female caregivers of persons living with ALS, daughters of those with ALS, or any woman touched by the disease. We will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connections and healing to the ALS journey. The Women of ALS gatherings create a safe space to explore the rich feminine perspective on lineage, sexuality, the role as caregiver, and the experience of compassion. |
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Mothers of ALS
February 23, 1:00pm ET |
CCALS offers this informal gathering specifically for mothers who have been impacted by ALS. This disease shines a unique and challenging spotlight on the relationships between mothers and their children. We will join with each other in council to listen deeply and bear witness to our experiences as we connect and discover new pathways through the intensity of an ALS experience. |
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