Trump signs Trickett Wendler's "Right to Try Act" into law

NOW: Trump signs Trickett Wendler’s “Right to Try Act“ into law
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Tim Wendler says it was surreal to watch the president sign the "right to try" Act with his wife Trickett's name on it three years after she died of ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

"Even though Trickett could not take advantage of this bill, she's looking at us now, and she's grateful, and she's proud," Tim said. "She's smiling because there aren't any other families that are going to be put in the same position that we are."

The bill allows terminally ill patients, like Trickett, to try drugs that have only made it through phase one of the FDA's three step approval process. Phase one makes sure drugs don't poison patients, but doesn't test for the effectiveness of the drug or side effects.

"Thousands of terminally ill Americans will finally have the help, the hope, and the fighting chance," President Donald Trump said.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-WI,  was the bill's original sponsor. He started pushing for it after meeting Tm and Trickett while they searched for a cure.

"We've returned a little bit of freedom, and restored some hope to terminally ill patients and their families, but it really was their tireless efforts. People like Tim Wendler."

Tim Wendler says his wife had a hereditary form of ALS, meaning his kids are more susceptible to the disease, and he wants them to have every chance they can if they are diagnosed.

"If, God forbid we are faced with that issue, that diagnoses, then at least we've got some hope," Tim said. "At least there will be an opportunity for us to try."

Wisconsin is one of 40 states to have passed right to try at the state level. Those laws can now take effect.

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