The premiere of the movie "Hearts of Hope" by Mercedes Kane was shown during the Illinois International Film Festival held in the Arcada Theater in St. Charles.

Dr. Michel Ilbawi leads the pediatric heart surgical team at the Heart Institute for Children at Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. The film is a behind the scenes look at Dr. Ilbawi and his staff and the families of the patients he fights to save everyday.



The Arcada Theater on Main Street in St. Charles.

John and Carol White with Patti, Kathleen, John, and Grace in the lobby of the theater.

Dr. Ilbawi has performed three surgeries on John. Here they are together while Kathleen and Grace look on.

Following the premiere, a fund raiser was held at the Tap House Grill to benefit the hospital.

Brian with neighbors, Jim and Nancy O'Keefe.

Grace and Kathleen

Tipping a few at the fundraiser-Carol, John, Brian, and John

John drawing a winner.

Making balloon animals

The St Charles Townsends:

John, Patti, Grace, Brian, and Kathleen

Brian, Patti, John, Me, and Hubby at

the HoH Fundraiser.