We live in a superhero-obsessed society — and perhaps the best evidence of that fact are the dozens of superhero movies released over the last few years. In fact, this summer features three more superhero movies, including this week’s release of Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman is being hailed for focusing on a female superhero. And, without a doubt, films featuring heroic women are always welcome. But we must not forget, not all superheroes have super powers and, arguably, being a superhero could be easy if you could leap tall buildings in a single bound or were born an indestructible Amazon princess like Wonder Woman.

But real-life superheroes are found among us mere mortals who face adversity with courage and conviction — in the face of insurmountable odds. Kennedy Hansen, the subject of the new feature film LOVE, KENNEDY — opening the same day as Wonder Woman, Friday, June 2 — elevated herself to superhero-status and beyond with how she lived her short, 16-year life, and the influence she had on those around her. Kennedy’s life story has become an inspiration to thousands – even before the film – and now LOVE, KENNEDY shares Kennedy’s inspirational story with many, many more people.

Kennedy's superhero story

Kennedy was in elementary school when she began suffering unexplained symptoms, including neurological and motor problems, and it would take years to find the cause. She was diagnosed with a terminal illness – Juvenile Batten Disease – when she was just 15 years old. But that diagnosis only reinforced her determination and courage to be an example and inspiration to those around her – all while fighting an unwinnable battle.

Juvenile Batten Disease afflicts only 2-to-4 people out of every 100,000. In Batten disease, genetic mutations disrupt cells’ ability to dispose of wastes which leaves cells throughout the body damaged causing seizures, blindness, personality and behavior changes, loss of motor skills and the ability to walk, talk and communicate, and eventually death. No treatment or cure exists for Batten disease.

In the film, Kennedy is portrayed by Tatum Chiniquy, an up-and-coming young actor. “This film was full of tough scenes that left me physically and emotionally exhausted by the end of each day. But that’s also why it was such an amazing experience, because of the challenge and how real each scene was,” said Chiniquy.

Heather Beers, who plays Heather Hansen, echoes Chiniquy’s sentiments. “By far the toughest scenes to film were the scenes where Kennedy has seizures. For Jasen Wade and I to be in those emotional scenes with Tatum, then look up and see Jason and Heather Hansen just off camera…it was heart-wrenching. I jumped up more than once after hearing “cut” to hug that beautiful woman and express my respect for her strength. She LIVED those moments!” said Beers.

The film portrays Kennedy’s battle against the disease, but more importantly, shows her and her loved ones’ heroic responses when faced with a horrific situation. “Kennedy brought an immeasurable amount of love, light and joy in her short life,” said Jasen Wade, who plays Jason Hansen, Kennedy’s father, in the film. “But Kennedy isn’t the only hero in this story. Kennedy’s parents, Jason and Heather as well as her brother and sister, Anna and Beau, are all heroes.

If this film helps even one family, then I feel the Hansen family would feel their efforts were worth it. If their story brings comfort or insight to another family dealing with similar trials then there is value in their sacrifice and exposure. I'm hoping audiences will walk away with an appreciation for how the Hansens dealt with this trial. Kennedy's heroic story is a great example that we all have a purpose in life, and God does communicate with us if we are willing to have faith and take the time to listen to Him.”

Chiniquy faced the challenge of playing Kennedy as the disease progresses. “I had never had to portray a person who was blind or who had a stutter, so it was a big challenge for me to find exactly how to do it,” said Chiniquy. “There was a fine line of not enough or too much and I wanted to get it just right. Kennedy was such a light and I just wanted to give her the legacy she deserves.”

About the film

LOVE, KENNEDY tells the inspirational true story of Kennedy Hansen, a funny, loving young woman whose health suddenly begins to fail. It takes years to find the cause – Juvenile Batten Disease – an extremely rare, horrible and inevitably terminal diagnosis. After living only 16 short years, Kennedy leaves behind an incredible legacy of love and friendship. But her story doesn’t end with her passing, it’s only then the true miracles really begin. LOVE, KENNEDY stars Jasen Wade (17 MIRACLES, THE COKEVILLE MIRACLE) as Jason Hansen, Heather Beers (CHARLY) as Heather Hansen, and Tatum Chiniquy as Kennedy.

LOVE, KENNEDY is now playing in theatres throughout Utah. For a list of theatres, visit: http://purdiedistribution.com/love-kennedy/

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