Les Turner Hope Through Caring Gala

Harvey and Bonny Gaffen Advancements in ALS Award

Brian Wallach, JD

Sandra Abrevaya, JD

Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya have been among the driving forces behind many of the most important developments in ALS advocacy. They played a major public role in demanding action from the FDA for approval of AMX0035 (Relyvrio), which created new momentum for other ALS treatments in the pipeline.

Drawing on his experience in the White House, Brian helped write and secure sponsors for the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, or ACT for ALS, which provides significant funding for ALS research and expanded access to promising investigational treatments for people living with ALS. President Biden signed the ACT for ALS into law on Dec. 23, 2021. 

The fight against ALS is personal for their family. Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, at the age of 37. In addition to her role as wife and mom, Sandra is also a caregiver for Brian. Bringing together their relentless commitment to advancements in ALS and their accomplished careers in law, government and public service, they co-founded I AM ALS, a nonprofit that mobilizes and empowers people living with ALS, as chronicled in the recent award-winning documentary No Ordinary Campaign.

For these achievements and more, Brian and Sandra are two of the most innovative and impactful advocates in the ALS community today.