Heartwarming Holiday Magic: Abbott’s HeartMates Community Shines in New Hallmark Movie

Ready to warm your heart this holiday season? The Hallmark Channel is rolling out an inspiring story featuring Abbott Laboratories and its HeartMates community in the new original movie, The More the Merrier.

This isn’t your standard holiday flick. It’s a genuine, touching narrative about real-life heroes who’ve faced cardiovascular conditions, leaning on their families, caregivers, and medical teams for support.

Abbott’s HeartMates community gives these folks a place to share their journeys and find emotional backup. Their stories shine as beacons of hope for anyone going through similar struggles.

Let’s meet some of the extraordinary people you’ll see on screen.

Meet the HeartMates: Real-life Heroes in The More the Merrier

One thing that stands out about The More the Merrier is how it centers on real members of the HeartMates community. These individuals have faced huge health challenges and come out the other side, thanks in no small part to Abbott’s support and medical advances.

Here are a few of the HeartMates whose stories take the spotlight in the film.

David and Zeke Makins: A Story of Inspiration

The character of David is inspired by Zeke Makins, a 17-year-old from Dallas who had open-heart surgery at just 12. Zeke received an Abbott Masters mechanical heart valve to replace a leaking valve, a procedure that saved his life and let him get back to living fully.

Honestly, it’s hard not to be moved by his resilience—and by how far medical tech has come.

Damar Hamlin: From the Football Field to the Silver Screen

Professional football player and sudden cardiac arrest survivor Damar Hamlin is also a big part of the HeartMates community. He shares his journey to show others what’s possible with the right team behind you.

Hamlin will make his second Hallmark holiday movie appearance in 2025, joining five other HeartMates in a scene shot in Buffalo, N.Y. His involvement really highlights how sharing experiences can spark hope and grit in others.

Other HeartMates Making Their Mark

Besides Zeke and Damar, The More the Merrier features several HeartMates whose stories are nothing short of incredible. These folks have faced life-threatening conditions and, with family support and Abbott’s medical solutions, found their way through.

Mackenzie Maddry: Overcoming Cancer and Heart Failure

Nineteen-year-old Mackenzie Maddry from Bella Vista, Ariz., was diagnosed with bone cancer at 14. She went through 21 rounds of chemo, which caused heart failure.

She received an Abbott heart pump before a recent transplant. Mackenzie’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, strength can shine through.

Jaden Hartley: A Young Survivor’s Journey

Sixteen-year-old Jaden Hartley from Chicago went into heart failure at 14. He got an Abbott heart pump before receiving a heart transplant.

Jaden’s journey really shows how vital advanced medical tech is for giving young people a second shot at life.

Tony Daly: A Medical Marvel

Ten-year-old Tony Daly from Las Vegas was born just over 26 weeks and had a hole in his heart. He became the first in the world to receive a lifesaving procedure with Abbott’s Amplatzer Piccolo occluder to close it.

Honestly, Tony’s story is a wild example of how medical innovation can completely change lives.

Rian Krauth: A Tale of Triumph

Nine-year-old Rian Krauth from Minneapolis was born at 26 weeks. When she was two, doctors used an Abbott Amplatzer Septal occluder to close a hole in her heart.

Her journey is proof that miracles can happen when cutting-edge medicine meets unwavering support.

Why The More the Merrier is a Must-Watch

This movie isn’t just another holiday watch—it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and the medical breakthroughs that make second chances real.

• Real-Life Inspiration: The film features HeartMates who’ve faced and overcome major health obstacles.
• Star Power: With Damar Hamlin and other inspiring HeartMates, you can bet it’ll be both heartwarming and motivating.
• Medical Marvels: The stories highlight how far medical technology has come in saving lives.
• Emotional Depth: The film digs into the emotional journeys of its characters, making for a moving experience.

How to Watch

Curious when to tune in? Check Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas lineup announcement to see when The More the Merrier airs.

Don’t miss your chance to be inspired by these stories of hope, resilience, and the strength of community.

Learn More About the HeartMates Community

If you’ve felt a spark of inspiration from the stories in The More the Merrier, you might want to check out the HeartMates community. Abbott Laboratories has put some real heart into this, creating a space for folks dealing with cardiovascular conditions to swap stories, lean on each other, and, honestly, just be heard.

From athletes to actors, the HeartMates crew is leaving a mark. The More the Merrier really shines a light on their grit and hope.

This holiday season, maybe pause and cheer for these real-life heroes—and for the wild leaps in medical tech that are changing lives.

So, if you’re up for it, grab a tissue (or two), call your favorite people, and catch The More the Merrier on Hallmark Channel. It’s more than a movie; it’s a nod to life, love, and that stubborn spark in all of us.