Brian Wallach and wife Sandra Abrevaya have worked to increase funding and access for ALS research, detailed in the film ‘For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign’
Brian Wallach’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.
As a father of two and former White House counsel under President Barack Obama, Wallach was taken aback when he was diagnosed with ALS at the young age of 37 in 2017. However, after coming to terms with the diagnosis, Brian decided he wouldn’t go down without a fight. Together with his wife, Sandra Abrevaya, they began lobbying Congress for increased funding and greater access to research and treatments for ALS.
Wallach, now 43, shared in a statement, “I have real hope. The scientific progress we’re making today means ALS is no longer a hopeless diagnosis.”
His wife, Sandra, also weighed in, saying, “Families dealing with ALS know the tough road ahead without breakthrough therapies. If treatments can give us more time—months, even years—we’ll be around when a cure finally surfaces.”
When Katie Couric learned about Wallach’s mission, she eagerly offered her support and became an executive producer on their documentary. They were joined by Phil Rosenthal, creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” who had a personal connection, having lost his mother to ALS.
A fortuitous encounter with singer Rachel Platten led her to donate her hit “Fight Song” to the project, adding an inspiring anthem to the film.
“The immediate reaction after viewing the documentary has been, ‘How can I help?’” Wallach remarked. “The impact is beyond what I ever imagined. We’re close to turning ALS from a fatal disease to a manageable one, and that’s a cause worth fighting for every day.”
In a recent email, Wallach expressed three key hopes for viewers of the film, directed by his friend Christopher Burke:
“First, I hope the film inspires them to tackle their own challenges. Second, I wish some viewers will join the fight against ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Third, I hope they tell everyone they know about the film.”
Wallach added, “When Sandra and I decided to create the documentary, our main objective was to reach as many people as possible. We’re incredibly grateful to Amazon for picking up our film and making our dream a reality.”
Last year, former President Barack Obama surprised Wallach and Abrevaya at a screening of the film during the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. Obama, who met the couple while working on his campaign, continues to support their efforts through the I AM ALS organization, recently praising them on Instagram for showcasing the strength we all possess.
“One of my fond memories,” Wallach recalled via email, “is when I asked Sandra if we could start an ALS non-profit, and her immediate response of encouragement was the beginning of everything. Sandra pushed me to connect with the ALS community, and I’m much wiser for listening to her.”
Wallach and Abrevaya, who call the Chicago area home, have been busy raising their young daughters while embarking on a whirlwind press tour to promote the film. Though it’s exhausting, the couple finds it exhilarating to share their message and drive for change.
“There have been times when I thought about stepping aside, thinking we had done enough,” Wallach confessed. “But I remember the friends I started this journey with and many of them have passed, fighting until their last breath. They remind me to keep going for them and their families. It’s time to see the first ALS survivor.”
