It's often the simple conversations on the sidewalk that help make 40 Days for Life special.

A team member watched as a woman got out of a shiny car and walked into the spa that?s near the abortion facility in Sacramento. About an hour later, she came back out.

"I leaned around the bush, mustered up my best smile and asked if I could give her some information," the volunteer said. "She looked up and smiled and said, 'What's it about?'"

She was told that it was information for women who are pregnant and in need of help. The woman gave a knowing nod and said, "I totally understand where you're coming from. I am pro-life all the way."

She then told a story about her sister, who has a physically-abusive boyfriend. They have a 7-year-old child ? and just found out that she is pregnant.

"Her boyfriend said that he would beat her if she didn't go and get an abortion," the woman said. "So she called me and I went over and packed up her stuff and her son ... and they are now living with me. There is no way that we would abort that baby."

The woman then thanked the 40 Days for Life volunteers for being there and supporting life. And we thank her for supporting life as well -- on a direct, personal level.

David Brandao, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

With 40 Days for Life, David wears many hats. Prior to joining the 40 Days for Life team, he was an award-winning radio and TV journalist. He has also served as a board member for a pregnancy help center and as publications director for a major national pro-life organization.