In the aftermath of a medical emergency, one cannot be faulted for being singularly focused on recovery. Whether it be yourself, a family member, or a dear friend, it’s not uncommon for projects, work, sports, hobbies or schooling to take a backseat to convalescence and recuperation.

But what if, in the midst of the healing, an unexplained talent emerges? This scenario is what happened to Jack Fearons, who as a child was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition characterized by brain tissue expanding into the spinal canal. Surgery to help Jack’s condition was fraught with complications, including a brush with death. But from the struggles came something good, something beautiful, and something unexpected.

This is the story of The Hero In Us, a short film directed and written by Alex Stulac, an official selection of the Comic-Con Independent Film Festival. With a blending of animation and live action, The Hero In Us re-imagines what Jack experienced during this time, and the effect it had on his mother, Jill, who grappled with the very real uncertainty of a gravely ill child.

While we will refrain from spoiling Jack’s “origin story,” we’d be remiss to mention that Jill also has her own heroic arc. Recognizing quickly that there was a lack of support for families navigating the complicated healthcare system, Jill was inspired to create the Friends of Jack Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to children’s mental health and well-being along with their physical health while undergoing treatment. 

The Hero In Us will screen during San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, July 26 at 11am in Grand Ballroom 6 at the Marriott Marquis and Marina. Writer and Director Alex Stulac will be joined by Jill Fearons and Executive Producer Peter Cohenno. 

For those who wish to learn more about the work between The Friends of Jack and the filmmakers there will also be a panel, Filmmaker and Nonprofits: A Powerful Partnership, on Friday, July 25 at 3:30pm in Grand 6 at the Marriott Marquis and Marina.  Peter Cohenno (executive director, The Friends of Jack Foundation), Jill Fearons (founder, The Friends of Jack Foundation), Alex Stulac (director, Stulac Marketing), Noah Arnold (director of photography, Cyan Lens), and Brody Pazol (sound editor, Sound Alchemist) explore how partnerships between filmmakers and nonprofits can provide filmmakers with funding, resources, and a platform for meaningful impact—while helping nonprofits share their mission in compelling new ways. Attendees will have a chance to receive a The Hero in Us movie poster.