So often, I think that we think of change as something that comes from on high.
Change starts when ordinary people decide theyre doing extraordinary things.
I cant imagine a better set of role models than Brian and Sandra for that proposition.
(L-R) Katie Couric, Chris Burke, Brian Wallach, Rachel Platten and Sandra Abrevaya at SXSWPhoto by Corey Nickols/Getty Images for IMDb
According to the CDC, approximately 5,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year.
The incidence rate is very similar to MS, Abrevaya told Deadline during an interview at SXSW.
But the chances of getting ALS are actually not rare.
Brian Wallach and wife Sandra Abrevaya attend the ‘No Ordinary Campaign’SXSWscreeningPhoto by Jason Bollenbacher/Getty Images for SXSW
The work theyve done is so extraordinary.
Couric knows about something about rallying support for research into disease.
The documentary will further that goal.
ALS has affected his vocal cords, but his wife Sandra makes sure his message is heard clearly.
The problem is that ALS has never been a priority in our society.
Burke, the director, has known Wallach since their undergraduate days at Yale.
I just love the guy, Burke said.
After that trip it was like, alright, now were in it for the long haul.
Effective communications is about storytelling, noted Jeff MacGregor, VP of communications for science at CZI.
And storytelling is about finding how to connect with people on an emotional level.
So, five years later, here we are.
Katie came on and has been just incredible at turning this into the documentary it is.
Couric deflects the praise back onto the protagonists of the film.
What could be more important than saving lives?
I mean, honestly.
I think that is a theme that hopefully resonates with everyone.
This movie happens to be about ALS, but it is about hope in the face of long odds.
