LOGLINE
As Danny's daughter was on life support, his prayers became lyrics and turned into a song that became their shared anthem of survival.
SYNOPSIS
When Danny’s daughter, Demi, was born with severe heart defects his world crumbled. She was given 3 days to live, however is now 15 years old. She has survived 13 open heart surgeries, has coded 5 times, and has been on life support. Demi’s story is incredible and a true testament to the miracles God can perform. Jesus is at the center of Danny's story and it will follow his experience as he learned to navigate life while battling depression, PTSD, and anxiety when he thought he was going to lose his daughter.
As Demi was fighting for her life, Danny experienced no darker time. He would sit outside on the balcony day after day for months, pouring his heart out to God and writing poetry. This is when his song, “Tested Love” was born and he began to see the light. Through this song, he has never felt closer to God and found the strength to keep fighting. Danny’s story is one of unshakable faith where a father’s worship through song became a lifeline as Demi fought for her life.
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. Growing up with undiagnosed autism and mental illness, I know what it's like to fight battles no one else can see.
Tested Love is more than a film, it's a way for Danny and Demi to continue healing and help other families feel seen. Danny wrote his song after descending into a deep depression because he thought he was going to lose his daughter. We'll be creating a short documentary + music video fusion that captures his pain and the love that carried him through. We will professionally record his song and thread it throughout in emotionally driven music sequences that carry us through a dual lens of trauma and growth. This song was born during Danny's darkest moment, and it is transformed into a s hared anthem of survival for both Danny and Demi.
This is more than a story of survival. It's about the spiritual transformation that can come through suffering, the courage it takes to talk about mental health (especially as a father) and the divine power that music has in connecting us. 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.
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.