Traveling with ALS: What to Know Before You Go

Travel and exploration don’t need to stop with an ALS diagnosis. Join us for our July ALS Learning Series on travel. Kari Brouwer, Craig and Emily Mandell, and Monica Meder O’Callaghan will come together to share honest stories and hard-won advice about navigating travel with ALS. From practical planning strategies and adaptive equipment to the emotional side of getting out and seeing the world, our panelists cover what it actually takes to get from point A to point B. Whether you’re planning a big trip or just trying to visit loved ones, we’ll try and cover it all.

Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y9diSKmvQry_VRr3fFUSEA

About the Speakers

Kari Brouwer, OTR/L: Kari has been working on the inpatient rehab team as an occupational therapist at Northwestern for 11 years and in the Neuromuscular outpatient clinic for 10 years. She enjoys getting to know each patient that comes into the clinic and works hard to help make their lives a little easier.

Craig & Emily Mandell: Craig and Emily Mandell have been married since 2009 and have two kids ages 13 and 11. They live in the North Shore of Chicago, where Craig is an attorney and Emily is in life sciences consulting. Since Craig was diagnosed with ALS in 2024, they have travelled to Paris, London, Amsterdam, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, and several National Parks.

Monica Meder O’Callaghan: Monica was diagnosed with bulbar onset ALS in June of 2022 but isn’t letting that slow her down! Always an avid traveler and adventure seeker, Monica has continued to live life to the fullest! Since her diagnosis, Monica and her family have traveled to 14 states and 7 countries, while also enjoying all that Chicago has to offer. While travel looks different now, the memories made are priceless and forever treasured.