First Lady Pool Reports of January 30, 2024

FLOTUS pool report - No Ordinary Campaign Documentary Screening

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.

FLOTUS, wearing a maroon dress and silver brooch, entered the theater about 5:30 pm and made brief remarks.

The crowd of about 40 was seated – and holding boxes of popcorn - when she entered. She commented how quiet the room was. She said that it reminded her of her first day of class, which she noted had been today.

"You're too quiet. It's like, you know, this was my first day of school today. And when I walk in they're usually like this hush because they don't know what to do, you know, they're so, like, kind of uneasy but then after the first 10 minutes, they all kind of ease up so I hope that's what happens with this."

The crowd laughed.

FLOTUS then 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," FLOTUS 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.

The documentary follows Wallach and Abrevaya as they travel across the US gathering information on the healthcare system's handling of rare and fatal diseases. After FLOTUS' remarks, Sandra made brief remarks on Brian'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 where I looped in three new people on every reply. The last time I stepped in 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.

FLOTUS thanked them and did not stay for the screening, but told the crowd to enjoy the documentary. She left about 5:45 pm.

Here are FLOTUS remarks' as distributed by the East Wing:
Brian and Sandra, it's an honor for Joe and me to host you tonight. We are proud to welcome you back to your White House home.

Most of you in this room know Brian and Sandra's love story. They met working on the Obama-Biden campaign in 2008, then they both came to work at the White House. And apparently, we didn't keep them busy enough, because along came marriage and a couple of beautiful children – Naomi and Ella, who are here with us.

Life was perfect, until Brian received a devastating diagnosis from his doctor shortly after their second daughter was born. In an instant, their world was turned upside down. Brian was diagnosed with ALS, and given six months to live. Against all odds, here they are six years later.

Brian, Sandra – you've channeled your pain into purpose, your energy into a nationwide movement.

You've both turned your experience and expertise in politics into I AM ALS, which has been an incredible force for change.

And now, you've expanded that work to link arms with leaders in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's to drive progress for all of these neuro-degenerative diseases. And you're also pushing for better access to care and more support for caregivers.

Thank you for all of your advocacy, and pouring every piece of your heart into this work.

Sandra, Brian, would you like to say a few words?

That's all from the event. Please let your pooler know if you have any questions.