LOGLINE
When a life-saving surgery leaves Danny's daughter on life support, his desperate prayers turn into a song- transforming his darkest moment into a testament of faith, healing, and love that reaches far beyond hospital walls.
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 a few years ago, Demi ended up on life support. She spent 6 months in the ICU where she coded 5 times, received nearly 1,000 blood transfusions and fought for her life alongside other critical patients and their families.
As Demi lay unconscious, Danny experienced no darker time. Clinging to his faith to survive himself, God met Danny in a song. That song is called, Tested Love. What began on a hospital balcony, evolved into a song that would later carry Demi as well. Through music, God not only brought healing to Danny and Demi, but her miraculous recovery and story began to spread and inspire others.
Tested Love, the film, is a testament to the miracles God can perform in us and through us. It’s a story of unshakeable faith as Danny learned to navigate PTSD, depression, and anxiety while thinking he would lose his daughter, how music transformed and healed them both, and how God weaves our stories together to bring about a collective healing, growth, and a community of people that can feel seen and heard. With Jesus at the center, we see how love overcomes the darkness, and how the universal threads of suffering, resilience, and vulnerability connect us all, especially through music.
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 professionally recording Danny's song and creating a short 15-20 min documentary + music video fusion.
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
-
It addresses the mental health stigma men face and shows others they aren’t alone.
-
Danny’s story will help other families who have kids facing illness feel seen.
-
It will help bring awareness to Demi’s story as well as heart defects
-
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.