Counseling - ALS Worldwide

The day-to-day needs of ALS patients and their loved ones is the focus of ALS Worldwide. Patient symptoms change and intensify frequently. The need to speak with someone knowledgeable and supportive becomes imperative. This is the lifeline we offer. Caregivers of those with ALS also face unique challenges that need to be soothed. Filling this important niche in services for the ALS community is one we gladly accept.

More About Barbara

Barbara and Stephen Byer married in 1964 and had five children within a seven-year span which kept her focused on motherhood for several years. She returned to school in 1985 to earn two master’s degrees, one in Humanities and a second in Early Childhood Development with an Infant Specialization. Barbara’s love of writing spawned the blog Burnt Chocolate, to share stories about family, children, politics and added ALS after Ben’s diagnosis. Her volunteer activities included writing community newsletters for young mothers, supporting battered women, and serving as a CASA member. She co-created a one-day retreat for mothers and taught language and child development courses at the College of Lake County. When she and Stephen moved to Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Barbara became the Director of the Family Resource Center of Iowa County. Many years of counseling experience prepared her for what was to come.

When Ben was diagnosed with ALS, Barbara found her true calling. She and Stephen established the ALS Worldwide organization and developed a robust website to support ALS patients and their families throughout the world. Providing compassionate care for patients and their loved ones with ALS has given her life a deep sense of meaning and purpose. Barbara continues to provide free individual, personal counseling to ALS patients and their loved ones via online resources, telephone, and email daily.

If you have recently heard this painful diagnosis, or if you have been struggling for years trying to cope, please complete the form below. Helping you find a sense of dignity and well-being is our mission. We are here to provide support and look forward to hearing from you.

Use the form below to contact us and schedule a FREE online visit soon.

A few words of gratitude from thankful families.

"You both are wonderful spirits. Thanks for all you have done to help Elaine and me to try to save her life and brave through this evil disease. We knew your pain with Ben and thank you for sharing that with us with the film of his life and journey. "

"I have been meaning to write you both and give you a virtual hug and a huge "thank you" from the bottom of my heart for how wonderful you both have been to my Mom and Dad since the day you met them. You are both amazing people, and I'm so sorry for the loss of your son, but it sure seems that he has propelled you to be the miracles you are."

"Dawn and I are extremely grateful for the work you and Steve do to benefit the community. Your unbiased views and investigations are critical to the patient community and decision making. Without it, many of us would likely pursue therapies with little chance of a relevant outcome."

"Over the past ten years, no other organization has helped me more than ALS Worlwide. Their ongoing personal support has been priceless. The medications, vitamins, and supplements they’ve recommended have helped me immensely."

New website!

More About Barbara

If you have recently heard this painful diagnosis, or if you have been struggling for years trying to cope, please complete the form below. Helping you find a sense of dignity and well-being is our mission. We are here to provide support and look forward to hearing from you.

A few words of gratitude from thankful families.