Jill Biden Hosts Documentary Screening at the White House in Honor of Past Staffers
Plus, first ladies and media, and Hillary Clinton speaks out on kids and technology.
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Jill Biden hosted a screening Tuesday evening at the White House Family Theater for “No Ordinary Campaign,” a documentary about two former White House staffers, Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, and their journey after Brian’s ALS diagnosis.
A crowd of about 40 was seated holding boxes of popcorn as the first lady greeted her guests.
The documentary follows Wallach and Abrevaya as they travel across the U.S. gathering information on the healthcare system's handling of rare and fatal diseases.
Biden welcomed Brian and Sandra and their two daughters, Naomi and Ella. Brian, in his wheelchair, and Sandra stood by the first lady on a dais before the theater-goers. Their daughters were seated in the front row of the theater.
“They met working on the Obama-Biden campaign in 2008 when they both came to work at the White House,” Biden said. “Apparently we didn't keep them busy enough because along came marriage and a couple of beautiful girls.”
Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2017 on the same day he and his wife brought home their second daughter from the hospital. He has been an activist ever since.
“You’ve channeled your pain into purpose, your energy into a nationwide movement,” Biden said, who did not stay for the screening. “You’ve both turned your experience and expertise in politics into ‘I AM ALS,’ which has been an incredible force for change.”
She went on to describe how the couple expanded their work with leaders in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to drive progress for neuro-degenerative diseases. And, Biden noted how they also are pushing for better access to care and more support for caregivers.
Abrevaya addressed guests on her husband’s behalf.
“I have to admit that I never thought I would be in the White House movie theater for a screening of our documentary. And I certainly never thought I would follow our amazing first lady on a speaking program. The last time I stepped foot in the White House, I was here as a staff member wearing itchy suits, working late hours and sending emails ... The last time I stepped foot in the White House, I also did not have a terminal illness. I could walk and talk. I could type on my Blackberry and I could hug Sandra, my White House colleague and girlfriend at the time,” she said for him.
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