When Brian Wallach received his ALS diagnosis at just 37, few could have blamed him for despair. But those who know Brian were unsurprised by his response—instead of surrendering, he resolved to fight for change. Alongside his wife Sandra, Brian founded I AM ALS and brought renewed focus to the battle against this devastating disease.
Their story, chronicled in the Prime documentary For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign, highlights both personal struggles and political victories. We experience Brian’s declining health alongside the steadfast support of Sandra and their growing family. In more hopeful scenes, charismatic figures like football star Steve Gleason join Brian’s lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, helping boost research funding and pass new legislation.
Interweaving advocacy work with intimate family moments, the film maintains a delicate balance. Hardships are never minimized, yet optimism remains the overriding tone. Most moving are the candid discussions where Brian acknowledges his mortality yet reaffirms his mission to benefit future ALS patients. Though clinical in explanation, doctor interviews provide vital scientific context around diagnosis and treatment.
Through it all, Brian and Sandra model lifelong commitment, dignified in crisis but buoyed by shared purpose. Their example reminds us that even the darkest challenges can be weathered through compassion and community. For those wanting to support the fight against ALS, this documentary shares a prime story of courage, love, and tenacious hope against impossible odds.
Fighting for Every Moment
Just a few years ago, Brian Wallach’s life looked much like any other. As a lawyer working in public service and politics, he dedicated himself to helping others through his career. But one doctor’s appointment changed everything.
It was there, at only 37 years old, that Brian received an ALS diagnosis. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a cruel, terminal illness with no known cure. Most are given just a few years to live as their bodies quickly deteriorate. Naturally, this was devastating news for any person to face. Yet Brian refused to simply accept this bleak prognosis.
Instead of despair, he felt compelled to take action. Brian immersed himself in learning everything possible about ALS. He toured research centers and advocacy groups across the country, determined to understand the fight as it stood. But Brian didn’t want to observe from the sidelines; he planned to join the battle himself.
Using his legal and policy experience, Brian co-founded I AM ALS with his wife Sandra in 2017. The goal was to amplify the voices of those living with ALS and accelerate research through greater funding and collaboration. I AM ALS soon achieved noteworthy successes on Capitol Hill, helping double the NIH ALS budget and pass new laws expanding access to care.
Five years after his diagnosis, Brian continues advocating through his documentary. Even as his own health declines, he remains committed to buying time for future generations impacted by ALS. Facing immense challenges, Brian empowered community and advanced science. He proves that even the darkest of times can be weathered through compassion and determination to make the most of our remaining moments.
Making an Impact in Washington
After receiving his diagnosis, Brian refused to simply watch from the sidelines. He became determined to create change through political action. So in 2017, Brian co-founded I AM ALS alongside his wife Sandra. Their small nonprofit would soon make enormous strides from the halls of Congress.
But changing minds in Washington is no easy feat. Brian knew they needed influential voices to cut through partisan divides. Early recruits included former NFL star Steve Gleason, who envisioned only advocacy through his documentary. Yet Brian convinced Steve to testify on the Hill, helping paint a human face on the cause.
Likewise, legendary lobbyist Dan Tate was skeptical of getting involved. But Brian’s personal letter convinced Dan to join the effort, wanting to set an example for his children. With figures like these, politicians could no longer turn a blind eye.
This growing chorus of support allowed I AM ALS to demand breakthroughs. Brian worked the corridors of Capitol Hill, lobbying tirelessly for increased funding. In just a few years, their efforts saw research budgets double, then double again. New legislation also expanded access to disability and experimental treatments.
Through it all, Brian led with relentless optimism. Even as his own health declined, he brought out the best in others. By connecting patients directly to policymakers, real people replaced statistics in the national conversation. Brian had fulfilled his goal of making ALS unignorable.
While there remains much work to be done, I AM ALS has come further than anyone believed possible. In a hopelessly divided era, Brian showed that bipartisan progress can be achieved when we appeal to our shared humanity. His story is a testament to the power ordinary people have to create change when we raise our voices as one.
Facing ALS with Courage, Compassion and Love
This film doesn’t shy away from harsh realities. We see the toll ALS takes as Brian’s body slowly fails. Simple acts like getting dressed or speaking become labored. Yet these scenes are handled with great care and sensitivity.
Through it all, Brian maintains his contagious optimism. But his brave face can only hide so much. In quiet moments, the strain and fear show through. One scene in particular stands out: Brian dictating a future speech while Sandra types. As his speech slurs, frustration mounts. When the words no longer come, he admits defeat. This small moment reveals great emotional depths.
These raw glimpses inside their world give profound insight. We better understand the challenges and uncertainties ALS families face each day. But what resonates most is the unshakable bond between Brian and Sandra.
Through intimate family videos, their deep love and partnership shine through. Whether laughing as parents together or supporting each other in tears, they find solace in each other. Even in Brian’s darkest hours, their commitment gives hope.
Burke captures these personal struggles with respect and empathy. Moments of care, compassion, and joy balance accounts of loss and sorrow. Above all, it’s clear Brian and Sandra live each moment to the fullest despite ALS—choosing love over fear.
Their courage inspires us to cherish each day. To support one another through all life may bring. And to meet even the greatest challenges with perseverance, optimism, and community. This is the sincere message at this film’s heart.
Living with Hope
This film weaves science with heart. By sharing knowledge, medical experts lift the fog on ALS. We learn it involves many interconnected puzzles yet unknown.
Dr. Cudkowicz illuminates ongoing efforts; progress made unraveling clues. Yet puzzles remain, and Cudkowicz acknowledges the long road. Her candor nurtures neither false hope nor despair, crafting understanding.
Layered with such perspectives are human stories. We meet many battling this disease. Through laughter and tears, they spread comprehension. Faces and names give reality to a condition otherwise remote.
By living fully despite setbacks, these folks build bridges between experience. We glimpse battling spirits whose refusal to relent awakens in others. Though outcomes differ, each small victory boosts collective morale.
Burke balances this well. We see kind souls fighting the good fight. Yet he shows challenges clearly, avoiding sugarcoating. This breeds authentic empathy over superficial gestures.
Most moving are Wallach’s quieter moments. When giving up seems easiest, his perseverance inspires. Though an answer eludes, refusing to surrender transforms strangers into allies.
This film uplifts through truth. It cultivates hope not by denying hardship but by standing up to it through compassion and community. Such hope nurtures progress far better than fearful avoidance ever could.
Standing Together
What a story Brian and Sandra share. Their love, humor and fight inspire us all. Though facing ALS’s horrors, they stand stalwart; through laughter and tears, empowering hope.
This film moves the soul. We feel each triumph, each sorrow with them. By opening their lives, they spread understanding. No one walks this path alone while they stand watch. Their kindness motivates progress.
Through it, we glimpse humanity’s indomitable will. However dark the night, our shared humanity can lift even the darkest clouds. Such bravery, in battling one foe but standing for all who suffer, awakens compassion.
While the cure eludes for now, solutions emerge through such solidarity. Thanks to pioneers like Brian, help reaches ever further. None dare call this cause lost while even one still fights.
To all touched by this torment, know that you too are walked with. Brian, Sandra – thank you for transforming strangers to comrades. Your light guides the way. Though paths may differ, in hope we walk together. The day we stand as vanquishers is hastened by friends like you.
The Review
For Love & Life: No Ordinary Campaign
For Love & Life tells an moving story of bravery in the face of adversity. At its heart are Brian and Sandra's unwavering commitment to empowering ALS patients and propelling progress towards effective treatments.
PROS
- The inspiring story of Brian and Sandra's activism and resilience against ALS
- Sheds important light on the human impact of ALS and the need for accelerated research.
- Uplifting tone that balances difficulties with messages of hope, love, and community support
- Effective use of interviews that provide scientific context alongside personal perspectives
CONS
- Could have explored further the lived experiences of more diverse ALS patients and families.
- Overly sanitized portrayal of polarized political climate may diminish credibility for some
- Occasional lack of critical analysis of challenges patients face with the healthcare system
Discussion about this post