Can you imagine getting a diagnosis from your doctor that you have a terminal illness on the day you and your wife come home from the hospital with your second-born baby daughter? That’s the devastating reality Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya faced when he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) at just 37 years old, and it’s all in an incredible documentary on Amazon Prime that dropped at the end of May.
As someone who has worked in healthcare for over three decades, I know stories like Brian’s hit very close to home. ALS is a brutal neurodegenerative disease that attacks the motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. It’s also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the Yankees’ legend who was diagnosed with it.
Shining the Spotlight on ALS
This tragic reality could have left the Wallach family feeling hopeless. Instead, Brian and Sandra took action, creating the non-profit, I AM ALS and sparking an extraordinary movement to push for funding for research into finding a cure.
“For Love & Life” shows how this couple drew upon Brian’s political expertise (he had worked with Obama) to urgently lobby Congress for better treatment access, more funding for ALS research, and cutting all the red tape to accelerate potential life-changing drug approvals. With his body’s capabilities diminishing, they fought to put human stories before the lawmakers to push for real and lasting change.
Something Inside So Strong
What makes this film so moving is witnessing Brian and Sandra’s devotion to each other and the cause – as they unite as caregivers, activists, and parents determined to find a cure.
While it’s an emotional story, the documentary celebrates how the strength of one couple’s love translated into real advocacy that could improve the lives of countless people impacted by ALS.
I cannot recommend “For Love & Life” enough, especially for anyone motivated by real-life tales of courage, enduring love in the face of adversity, and the power of activism by ordinary people to create change against the odds. This documentary will make you appreciate your loved ones and wonder what you can do today to make a difference.
It’s A Ten
While the subject matter is sometimes difficult to digest, the filmmakers don’t shy away from the ravages of the disease. The documentary is a story of hope, faith, and strength. This one gets a 10/10 from me.
I highly recommend this documentary to anyone looking for a captivating true story. Watch it on Amazon Prime Video, here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Life-No-Ordinary-Campaign/dp/B0CXWMCHZM
To learn more about ALS disease and to find out how you can get involved, visit Get The ALS Association or I AM ALS.
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