ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Lights, cameras and holiday movie magic returned to Highmark Stadium as Hallmark announced the production of its new movie called “The More the Merrier.”
“Abbott’s working with Hallmark to bring together, I think more than just a movie, but a celebration of a community,” said Brent Tippen, an Abbott spokesperson.
The movie will feature scenes and cameos from Buffalo Bills safety and Abbott Heartmates ambassador, Damar Hamlin, and along with five of his fellow Abbott Heartmates.
“He’s just an amazing guy,” said 17-year-old Ezekiel “Zeke” Mankins. “He’s really humble, he’s so down to earth, he’s really like a brother to me.”
The movie will be the first Hallmark movie to include real life individuals who have overcome serious health challenges. One of the characters in the movie, David, is inspired by Mankin’s story.
“When I was young, I was diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease and basically, my mitral heart valve was getting eaten up and damaged, so I needed a replacement,” Mankins said. “I needed a mechanical heart valve. Abbott makes those mechanical heart valves that saved me and so I can carry on my with dreams.”
Abbott Heartmates helps individuals with heart conditions connect, share stories and advice, and be there for one another during life’s moments. Mankins and four other Heartmates make an appearance in the movie, along with Damar Hamlin.
“It’s going to be pulling at our heart strings for many people who have gone through really difficult journeys with their heart health and having a larger platform to be able to talk about that and share, to me, gives us an opportunity to invite a lot of people to join the Abbott Heartmates community,” Tippen said.
Hallmark’s “The More the Merrier” will follow two Doctors at a rural hospital who are snowed in on Christmas Eve, along with other hospital visitors and staff. The hospital is also under an unexpected baby boom.
The movie will include David, a 14-year-old heart patient, and his celebrity friend who will bring joy and connection to the hospital’s staff and patients.
“The More the Merrier” is planned to premiere during Hallmark’s “Countdown to Christmas” later this year.
Click here to learn more about Abbott’s Heartmates.