‘I Am Second’ Reimagines Texas Boy’s Touching Battle with Cancer

His mother reminds him of his favorite Bible verse. “Lord, my God, many are miracles.”

Nearly a decade after touching millions of people with his appearance in the I Am Second documentary, Ethan Hallmark’s legacy continues.

The digital storytelling organization has released its latest “Second Edition” film, “The Ethan Hallmark Legacy.” The film reimagines the life and deep impact of Hallmark, a boy from Midlothian, Texas, whose courageous battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma left an indelible mark. Into the hearts of thousands of people.

Hallmark was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, when he was just 10 years old. Despite undergoing multiple treatments and facing difficult circumstances, he remained steadfast in his faith.

Although he passed away in September 2014, his message of God’s mercy in the midst of suffering inspired countless people around the world to have faith, resilience, and hope.

Originally featured in the 2014 I Am Second short film “Many Are the Wonders,” the latest documentary takes viewers deeper into the Hallmark story and explores not only his faith, but also his life. It explores his far-reaching influence on others, even after his death.

The film, produced by I Am Second and Ditore Mayo Entertainment, features interviews with Hallmark, his parents, and members of the Midlothian community, along with documentary-style footage.

Hallmark’s parents, Matt and Rachel Hallmark, reflect on their son’s incredible strength.

“I saw something special about him that drew people to him,” Matt Hallmark said.

After filming the first “I Am Second” video, Rachel Hallmark passionately sang Psalm 45, a “love song” from the Sons of Korah, Ethan’s favorite passage in the Bible. I remembered a moment I wanted to share with you.

“So he’s physically broken down, he’s active, he’s in palliative care, he’s on the verge of death,” she said. “When we finished filming and he told his life story, he said, ‘Wait, I really want to say my favorite poem.’ This is a little boy who is dying.”

“And he says, my favorite verse is Psalm 45: ‘Lord, my God, there are many miracles, too many to count, that you have planned for us. You have given me nothing, no one can compare with you, and if I were to count your mercies, they would be more numerous than the sand on the seashore.”

“Even if it doesn’t blow everyone’s minds, if you just want to tell a 13-year-old kid how great God is even though it might kill him, that’s the most powerful thing in the world.”

John Humphrey, executive director of I Am Second, said this follow-up is a testament to Ethan Hallmark’s strength and courage.

“We never expected Ethan’s story to surpass the original film, but it’s nothing short of miraculous to see how his life continues to inspire and change others,” said director Humphrey. spoke. “This sequel film shows the far-reaching impact of faith even in its darkest moments and reminds us of the power of one encounter.”

As Hallmark said around the time of the first documentary in 2014, Hallmark’s view of God never wavered, even in the face of an incurable illness.

“Of course I want to beat this disease,” Ethan Hallmark said. “But even if I don’t, I wouldn’t be so sad. I mean, heaven isn’t a very nice place, but heaven is a perfect place. Of course I want to live a long life. Who doesn’t?” I want to see my sisters and brothers go to middle school together, I want to see them go to high school, and I want to see them graduate.

“But that’s not my plan. It’s his plan. And his plan is perfect. So actually, in the end, I’ll win either way.”