ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott is bringing real heart to the Hallmark Channel’s “Countdown to Christmas” this year. The healthcare company announced that its HeartMates community — a program supporting people impacted by heart health challenges — will be featured in “The More the Merrier,” a new original Hallmark holiday movie premiering November 28 at 8 p.m. during Hallmark’s Merry Thanksgiving Weekend.
Visit for a sneak preview of the film.
The film marks the first Hallmark movie to include cameos from real individuals who have faced significant cardiovascular challenges, including youth from the Abbott HeartMates community and professional football player Damar Hamlin, who serves as a HeartMates ambassador. A character in the film, a 14-year-old heart patient named David, is inspired by HeartMates member Zeke Mankins, who received an Abbott mechanical heart valve at age 12.
Hamlin appears in the movie and has been involved with HeartMates since 2023, traveling to hospitals and events with Abbott to encourage patients and families.
“Going through a heart health event can be isolating,” Hamlin said. “Bringing HeartMates to the big screen will help more people find the community and support they may need.”
To ensure medical accuracy, Abbott cardiologists and health experts consulted on the script. The HeartMates community members featured in the movie include:
“This community shows that health struggles do not have to define anyone,” said Melissa Brotz, senior vice president of Global Marketing and External Affairs at Abbott.
“The More the Merrier” streams on Hallmark+ starting November 29. Visual assets and behind-the-scenes material are available through Abbott.
