In January 2014, Chantal Lanthier, who has been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2013, felt a deep need: to break through isolation and create a space where people facing the same reality could come together.
At the time, in-person support groups offered by ALS Quebec were mostly held in Montreal—making it difficult for those living on the North Shore to attend. In response, Chantal, together with her husband Jocelyn Théorêt, opened up her kitchen in Lorraine to a handful of individuals navigating life with ALS. It was the beginning of what would become the Lorraine “Café-rencontres.”
“In January 2014, I was reflecting on my condition and thought: surely, others going through this would appreciate a chance to meet and talk,” she wrote in her book Parce que parfois, la pluie doit tomber, co-authored with her friend, journalist Pierre Duchesne.
The idea quickly took off. Before long, Chantal’s kitchen could no longer accommodate the number of wheelchairs gathered around her table. She reached out to the City of Lorraine, which generously offered a room in its Cultural Centre. By April 2014, the Lorraine meetings officially found their home there.
What sets these gatherings apart is their warm, compassionate, and deeply human atmosphere. After an initial group conversation, the gathering splits into two smaller circles — one for people living with ALS, and another for caregivers.
“When people living with ALS, caregivers, and ALS Quebec counsellors come together, it feels like a close-knit community—a safe space built on trust and mutual respect,” explains Chantal. “No topic is off-limits. We laugh, we cry, we listen, we support one another. We share challenges and victories, and yes, we talk about death too. In doing so, we feel more alive. It reminds us what truly matters—and leads to some powerful existential reflections.”
Today, the group still meets at the Cultural Centre in Lorraine in a fully accessible space. What started as an informal kitchen-table gathering has become so much more.
Now known as the Lorraine In-Person Support Group, these meetings are a pillar of the ALS community—a testament to Chantal and Jocelyn’s vision, generosity, and belief in the power of human connection.
“We can’t end ALS—not yet. But we can overcome fear, improve our quality of life, and share advice and strength. Together, we feel understood, welcomed, and safe.”
Across the province, ALS Quebec offers several support groups every month, both online and in person. Whether you’re living with ALS, caring for a loved one, or grieving a loss, these spaces offer meaningful connection—where listening, sharing, and mutual support become a true source of comfort and resilience.
To see upcoming support group dates (virtual or in-person), subscribe to our bimonthly newsletter or check our website calendar.
