(Left to right Jeff Elliot, Eric “Hoovey” Elliot & Jennifer Elliot now Donhardt)

Life can change in an instant, turning your world upside down and stealing your dreams forever. That’s exactly what happens to the Elliot Family from Normal, Illinois in the true-life inspirational movie based on their lives called “Hoovey”, which will have its red carpet debut at the Normal Theater January 31st, 2015.

Normal Firefighter Jeff Elliot wrote the book “Rebounding From Death’s Door” in 2004 as a story of inspiration to others who were as amazed at how life had turned out for his family who had faced such hardship.

In 1999, Central Illinois saw an incredible blizzard with over 14 inches of snowfall. As Eric offered to help his dad start digging out their driveway his eyes started going crossed. They called his eye doctor, and said that his sinus troubles (what they thought was the cause) would not cause this, and to get him to the ER as soon as possible.They discovered a tumor, the size of an orange, at the base of his skull.

Their story of faith, perserverance and triumph is what great movies are made of, and that is why so many great people wanted to be part of this one. Watch this nice “making of featurette” about how the movie was made. (Most of the movie was shot in Texas FYI, not in Normal)

Tickets for the red carpet premiere are sold out, but many other showings will benefit great local charities, so get your tickets today through the NORMAL THEATER website.

I was very luck to also get to interview the amazing Patrick Warburton, who plays Jeff Elliot in the film, while on WJBC.

Click HERE for that podcast, which I warn you, includes me calling Patrick sexy more than 3 times….Sighhhhh… See Lauren Holly play Ruth Elliot, Cody Linley play Eric and Alyson Stoner as Jen.

I can’t wait to see this film!!!

1-22-15 Susan Saunders