#Heart Health #Abbott HeartMates #Damar Hamlin

Abbott HeartMates Community Brings Inspiration in Hallmark's 'The More the Merrier'

This holiday season, Abbott is making a significant impact on Hallmark Channel's beloved "Countdown to Christmas" with the premiere of its original film, "The More the Merrier." Scheduled for broadcast on November 28, 2025, this heartwarming movie aims to shine a light on the stories of real individuals who have faced daunting heart health challenges, and it will feature cameos from the inspiring youth of the Abbott HeartMates community.

The film promises a blend of festive cheer and genuine storytelling as it follows Dr. Alice, played by Rachel Boston, and Dr. Brian, portrayed by Brendan Penny, who find themselves navigating a bustling small-town hospital on Christmas Eve. Unexpected challenges arise, including a surprising baby boom and a snowstorm that disrupts the holiday plans of staff and patients alike. At the heart of the chaos is David, a 14-year-old heart patient inspired by real-life HeartMates member Zeke Mankins, who brings joy and camaraderie to those around him, with a surprise assist from NFL star and HeartMates ambassador, Damar Hamlin.

Abbott’s HeartMates program was established to provide a supportive community for individuals impacted by heart-related challenges. Melissa Brotz, senior vice president of Global Marketing and External Affairs at Abbott, commented, “Our HeartMates program was created to provide a community for those impacted by heart health issues and to demonstrate that health struggles do not define individuals.” With this initiative, Abbott hopes to connect individuals through shared experiences, emphasizing the healing power of community support.

Damar Hamlin has been an advocate for the HeartMates program since its inception in 2023. As a victim of a serious heart event himself, he understands the isolating nature of such challenges and the importance of communal support. In his own words, Hamlin stated, "Going through a heart health event can be isolating, but having people around you who know what you've been through can make all the difference. That’s why I teamed up with Abbott to be an ambassador for their HeartMates program.” His involvement in the film bridges the gap between reality and fiction, allowing viewers to witness the profound impact of the HeartMates community firsthand.

The unique aspect of "The More the Merrier" is that it includes actual patients who are part of the Abbott HeartMates family, marking Hallmark's first collaboration with a healthcare company for a movie. Medical consultants and cardiologists from Abbott have worked closely on the script to assure authenticity and accuracy in portraying the characters' experiences. Featured HeartMates include:

• - Tony Daly, age 10, from Las Vegas, who was the first baby to receive an Abbott Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, a significant implant to close a hole in his heart.
• - Jaden Hartley, 16, from Chicago, who received an Abbott left ventricular assist device prior to his heart transplant following sudden heart failure.
• - Rian Krauth, 9, from Minneapolis, treated at age 2 with the Abbott Amplatzer Septal Occluder for a heart defect.
• - MacKenzie Maddry, 19, from Bella Vista, AR, who overcame both cancer and heart issues, resulting in her receiving an Abbott LVAD before her transplant.
• - Zeke Mankins, 18, from Dallas, underwent open-heart surgery at age 12 for a mechanical heart valve installation.

The film reflects the core message of the HeartMates program: community, connection, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. As the movie is set to debut during the festive season, it aims not only to entertain but also to inspire hope and support among audiences who might be facing similar health challenges.

For those eager to attend this heartfelt journey,