LOGLINE
When a life-saving surgery leaves Danny's daughter on life support, his desperate prayers turn into a song, and music becomes the medicine that carries them through.
SYNOPSIS
When Danny’s daughter, Demi, was born with severe heart defects his world crumbled. By 9 months old she had already undergone 2 open heart surgeries, but nothing could have prepared them for what was to come 10 years later.
While receiving a life-saving heart surgery at Stanford Children’s Hospital in 2023, Demi ended up on life support for 3 months. She spent 6 months in the ICU where she coded 5 times, received 11 heart surgeries, nearly 1,000 blood transfusions and there is no medical explanation as to how she is still alive.
When Demi flatlined, Danny experienced no darker time. Clinging to his faith to survive himself, God met Danny in a song. That song is called, Tested Love. Music became a lifeline- a source of hope, a way to heal, and a way to connect with other families. It also became a lifeline for Demi and aided in her miraculous recovery.
Tested Love, the film, isn't just a story that shows the power of unconditional love, faith, and music, it is a testament to the miracles God can perform in us and through us. A piece of Danny also died the day Demi flatlined, but what was born in that moment of surrender became a song that evolved into a source of hope, connection, and healing for everyone.
MEET DANNY AND DEMI
Danny Espinosa
Danny is a proud father of four, including his daughter Demi, a living miracle born with severe heart defects. A lawyer and devout Christian, Danny’s life was forever changed by the experience of nearly losing his daughter- a journey that deepened his faith and reshaped his purpose. He shares the ways God has carried him through heartbreak and healing, and how songwriting and music has transformed his life. Danny is also passionate about shining a light on the often overlooked mental health struggles that fathers face while walking alongside their sick children. His hope is to encourage other dads to speak up, seek support, and know they aren’t alone.
Demi Espinosa
Demi is a resilient 15-year-old that has beaten the odds. Born with severe heart defects, Demi spent months connected to life support, but her spirit never wavered. A diehard Taylor Swift fan, she found strength and hope in Taylor’s music. Her songs became a lifeline during her most difficult moments and helped her remain positive. While confined to a hospital bed, Demi began learning to play Taylor’s songs and eventually started writing her own songs, determined to express herself and distinguish herself from “just another sick kid.” Following her recent heart surgery in December 2024, Demi is doing well and continues to inspire those around her.
ABOUT THE FILM
Hi! I'm Sara Jane, the producer and Director of Tested Love. For the past 10 years, I've worked with families like Danny's. When I met his daughter, Demi, and heard her story I saw more than a medical miracle, I saw reflections of my own journey. I saw how music can save us, faith can guide us, and how creativity can give us a voice when words fall short.
Tested Love will be a 20-minute documentary, music video fusion. We will professionally record Danny's song which will provide further healing for Danny and Demi as they'll be able to reflect and see how far they've come since the song began.
We will be interviewing Dr. Madeleen Mas, a world-renowned pediatric cardiologist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, who played a critical role in Demi's care. Dr. Mas, who is also a person of faith, will be able to speak of the medical miracle Demi is and the role she believes faith plays.
This documentary will also showcase the perspectives and impact Danny and Demi's story has made on her two siblings, their music therapist at the hospital, and patients that were on this journey alongside them.
I chose Danny and Demi's story because I believe it has the power to change lives, and I'm honored he trusts me to help tell it.
WHY THIS FILM
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It addresses the mental health stigma men face and shows others they aren’t alone.
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Danny’s story will help other families who have kids facing illness feel seen.
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It will help bring awareness to Demi’s story as well as heart defects
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This film shows us how God can work through music. It shows us how God doesn’t always take away our pain, but He’ll walk us through it and transform it into something beautiful.
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There is growing evidence of the effects of music therapy on physical and emotional healing and will bring attention to that.
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This film shows the power of telling our stories through music and how it not only provides healing, but it connects us.
MEET THE TEAM
Producer / Director
Sara Jane grew up with undiagnosed autism and mental illness, often feeling alone, misunderstood and disconnected from people and the world. She found connection in stories and grew up acting, writing, and directing plays.
She has experience writing and directing for elementary schools, the park district, and summer camp for children in 1st through 8th grade. She went on to pursue English and Theater at Ohio University where she directed 2 short plays and cofounded a student run organization called the Lost Flamingo Co. that gave all students an opportunity to partake in theater.
After a breakdown in 2015, Sara Jane began regressing in skills, frequently lost the ability to speak, and experienced a severe decline in her mental health. It wasn't until she found families with chronically ill children that she felt hope and began to heal. They taught her how to cope and embrace life even in the face of adversity. She's spent over 10 years volunteering her time sharing their stories online and creating music videos using home videos and photos. Now that she is able to manage her conditions, she is ready to pursue her dream and spend her life getting their stories seen and heard in the media industry.
Cinematographer
Adam F. Johns is an award winning Independent filmmaker, cinematographer, editor, and film teacher that produces short films, music videos, documentaries, and web series. Adam speaks the language of filmmaking, music, and 3D projection mapping fluently. Led by empathy, Adam found himself working on projects that tackle real human challenges like houselessness, the education system, grief, human rights, and women's reproductive rights. His production company, Skid Row Stories, is for the people/by the people which puts the power of storytelling in the hands of residents, where it belongs.
Adam’s most recent works include teaching Skid Row residents short filmmaking with his class, Filmlover to Filmmaker; Fallen Angeles, a neo noir short set in Skid Row which he was awarded Best Impact Director in 2024 at the Ethos Film Festival. Currently, he's filming a 6 episode meta dramatic comedy mini web series, Tales From the Adamverse where he plays 15 different characters that he's portrayed over the span of his entire career. And he's in pre-production on his first feature, Machinehead, a film about an estranged brother and sister reuniting and building Androids thus creating a new sci-fi universe. It shoots in Winter 2026. Adam has worked with large commercial clients including Adidas, AWAL Recordings, Undefeated, WB, Netflix, and Disney/Pixar.
Josh, a married father of two autistic children is a Texas-based film composer, music producer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and occasional film producer, has made a significant impact in the music industry. While he resides in the vibrant and ever-growing live music capital of the world, Austin, he collaborates with musicians and creatives across various cities, including Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, San Francisco, and San Antonio.
Josh’s musical journey began at the tender age of nine when he picked up the guitar. By the time he turned eleven, he had taken his passion for music seriously. At the age of nineteen, he embarked on a professional music career. Around this time, he co-founded a recording studio with renowned Strokes producer Gordon Raphael.
In his twenties, Josh secured a record deal, but personal struggles and internal conflicts led to the loss of his contract. After an extended hiatus, Josh returned to music and pursued his lifelong passion for scoring films and syncing his songs to cinematic productions. His work has resulted in numerous songs featured in films and several documentaries.
Josh has been completely sober from drugs and alcohol since 2024. He attributes his sobriety to the unwavering support of his wife and family. His wife, in particular, has been a constant source of encouragement and guidance throughout his recovery journey, from the moment they met. Josh considers his wife to be one of his most significant influences and sources of inspiration. He has remained sober and uses his recovery journey to support and inspire others who are struggling to achieve sobriety.
FILM COMPOSER/ MUSIC PRODUCER
Sara Jane Walsh
Adam Johns
Josh Datant
Help us get to Danny with a Tax- Deductible Donation
The Here's Hope Project is fiscally sponsored by From The Heart Productuions, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization that has supported independent filmmakers and artists for over 30 years.