A HEART FULL OF HOPE
The gift of life with a kidney donation.
The Mendez National Institute of Transplantation Foundation (MNITF) and Suzanne DeLaurentiis Productions are excited to announce the global streaming release of their new holiday feature, A Heart Full of Hope, available through Uncork’d Entertainment starting mid-November 2025. Written by Tricia Aurand and directed by Dale Fabrigar, A Heart Full of Hope is a tender holiday film starring Juliah Taylor, Chelsea Cook, and Sebastian Armani. With its themes of perseverance and hope, it promises to be a moving addition to the holiday season lineup.
Learn about the process of becoming a kidney donor, and how it truly is the most selfless gift one can give: the gift of a second chance at life.

A Heart Full of Hope follows Whitney, played by Juliah Taylor, a determined woman in her 30s who refuses to let renal failure or the demands of regular dialysis stand in the way of her dream to earn a college degree. Supporting her is her vibrant younger sister, Lynette, played by Chelsea Cook, whose unwavering love masks the heartache of knowing she isn’t a match to help Whitney through a kidney transplant.
The story takes an uplifting turn when Whitney forms a unique bond with Sebastian, played by Sebastian Armani. Sebastian is a charismatic teacher who has recently returned home to teach at her college. As Whitney introduces Sebastian to Lynette, sparks fly between them, bringing unexpected joy into their lives.
Meanwhile, Lynette’s boss, Kaya, a Native American woman, played by Cree Armstead, reveals that her grandfather is battling kidney failure and struggling to find a donor. Through Kaya’s heartfelt story, Lynette gains insight into the broader impact of kidney disease within Native American communities and begins understanding the systemic challenges many face in finding treatment.
This poignant feature, produced by Nicole Mendez and Suzanne DeLaurentiis, tells an inspiring story of resilience, love, and the transformative power of kindness while shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals battling renal failure.
