Cultivating Compassion Education Series October Gatherings |
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Special Program for October!
Premier Screening!
"Sacred Denial—Mariah and Me” |
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One act play presented by Ron Gladis
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 7:00 p.m. ET |
This month, we are delighted to offer something special and unique: the first screening of Ron Gladis’ solo one-act play, "Sacred Denial—Mariah and Me,” that he performed live a year ago. This recording captures all of the drama, humor, joy and sadness of Ron’s relationship with his wife, Mariah Fenton Gladis, a psychotherapist living with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) for nearly 40 years. The show chronicles their journey of love, hope, and resilience as they face the challenges of living with her terminal diagnosis. Despite her physical limitations, Mariah, a dedicated therapist with a passion for helping others, continued her life's work. The show highlights Ron's experiences and emotions as he supports Mariah, showcasing the power of love, courage, and "sacred denial" in the face of adversity.
Ron is a dear friend and colleague of our Founder and CEO, Ron Hoffman, who was also close to Mariah and the family during much of their journey with ALS. |
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Ron Gladis is President of the Mariah Fenton Gladis Foundation who’s mission is to provide programs that bring a sense of love, compassion, and forgiveness to individuals, families, and communities with a desire to create and live better lives. Ron Gladis is also the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training, a community resource providing caring and professional psychotherapy, training and counseling since 1978. In a former life he was an electrical engineer, an artist, teacher, caregiver, author, photographer and a filmmaker; a true Renaissance man. |
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Caregiver to Caregiver
October 8, 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
October 8, 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
October 15, 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
October 15, 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
October 26, 1:00pm ET |
CCALS offers this informal gathering specifically for mothers who have a child living with 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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