Skip to main content

Hallmark's "The Color of Rain" the True Story of Gina Kell and Michael Spehn

Starring:  Lacey Chabert and Warren Christie

Released:  2014

Summary:  While consoling each other over the recent loss of their spouses, a man and a woman grow close and fall in love.


Image:  Crown Media, United States LLC

Gina Kell and Michael Spehn Find Love Despite Tragedy

You've seen the movie, so you know the plot, but did you catch that it's based on a real-life story?

Gina Kell's husband died on Christmas Day, 2005, from a rare and incurable cancer, leiomyocarcoma, which he battled for three years.

Weeks later, Cathy Spehn died seventeen days after learning her painful headaches were a result of a brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme.

It's no wonder the two gravitated toward one another.

It's like parenting--people who have never had children can't really grasp what life with kids is truly like on a daily basis.  Similarly, your heart can hurt for someone who has lost their spouse, but you can't relate to them on deeper levels if you've never gone through it yourself.  Gina and Michael shared the same pain.

Naturally, people gossiped about them getting together so soon, but their hearts were in the right place.  They both were grieving, raising kids on their own, and trying to work.  Their focus was on creating a normal life for their kids.  Gina tried to fill the void Michael's kids had by doing things like cooking a great meal and helping Charlotte shop for bras.  Michael stepped up to the plate when Gina needed someone to teach her kids basketball.  Eventually, both families, through their common pain, formed a loving bond, and it was one that honored the memory of the loves they lost.



Gina's Son Also Diagnosed with Cancer 


As if this family hasn't been through enough, Gina's teenage son, Sam, was diagnosed in 2015 with glioblastoma--the same brain cancer that killed Michael's wife!

Sam Kell and Gina Spehn from their Facebook Page

You can follow Gina's "Pray for Sam Kell" Facebook page here.

The 5-year survival rate for this type of cancer in childhood is 20%, but Sam is the eternal optimist who continues to beat the odds.

New Day Foundation for Families 

The Spehns created New Day Foundation to help families who need financial assistance while battling cancer.  The foundation officially started in 2007 from their kitchen table, but has now grown into a sophisticated non-profit with an office space in Rochester, Michigan.

Many who hear their story or that of their son, Sam, flock to make donations to the family, but Gina directs all donations to the foundation to help other families.  Michael is a successful financial planner, and Gina recently began drawing a salary from the foundation (after doing it for many years as charitable work), so they are grateful for their many blessings.  In addition, speaking engagements keep them busy.

You can visit the New Day Foundation website to learn more about the family, their mission, and how to get involved. 


Gina and Michael Are Strong Christians

Hallmark typically avoids movies about faith, undoubtedly to keep from  alienating viewers with different religious convictions.  

In this movie, Michael even appears to reject God as he reels from the inexplicable loss of his wife.

The truth is, both Michael and Gina Spehn are devout Christians whose strong faith and relationship with Jesus Christ has been their source of strength, hope, and optimism during life's most difficult moments.  With every uncertainty, they turn to God, pray, seek God's guidance, and ultimately put their situation into His hands.

In fact, when Matt Kell was fighting cancer, he used the disease to share his faith in Christ.  He even said he was in a win-win situation--he would either be cured, or he'd get to meet his Savior sooner.  He assured everyone not to worry because he knew where he was going.  Can you say the same?  

Gina's Facebook page, Pray for Sam Kell, is often sprinkled with faith-filled biblical passages, and Sam's faith is just as strong as his father's.

Even though Gina's and Michael's faith is downplayed in the movie, it's actually what pulled them through their darkest hours.


The Video Diaries from Matt Kell Are Real

When I watched the heart-wrenching video clips from the video diaries Matt Kell left for Gina and the boys, I figured they were added by Hallmark for dramatic effect.  Wrong--the diaries are real! 

Matt actually gave Gina his blessing to find love again, and his blessing extended to the man who earned her love.  The video blew her away.  Matt said, "Grieve me and live on--I want you to live on, love, and to laugh.  We will meet again.  But in the meantime, I want you to thrive in this world and to do what God has put you here to do."

Cathy Spehn, right before she died, also instructed Michael, "Call Gina Kell."

What inspirational people.  It also shows God can take tragedy and bring something wonderful from it.

The Color of Rain Was First a Book by Gina and Michael

Gina and Michael wanted to share their story to encourage others that faith, hope, and love can be found, even in the midst of tragedy.  They co-authored the book, The Color of Rain, in 2011, which became a New York Times bestselling memoir.  You can find it on Amazon.  Here's the link:


Before the movie was released in 2014, Gina and Michael did an interview with Channel Guide Magazine.  If you love the movie, you won't want to miss this interview.  It's in-depth, plus it talks about the ways Hallmark involved them in the movie-making process.  Gina also gushes that Lacey Chabert is "the nicest person on the planet."  We already knew that!  That's our Lacey.  You can find the interview here 

I'm wondering why we haven't seen more of Warren Christie in Hallmark movies?  He's been busy doing television, but he's a heart throb who should be on Hallmark!

Follow Gina Spehn on Twitter

In addition to the link to their foundation and Facebook pages, you can also follow Gina on Twitter--@ginakellspehn.


You can definitely see the resemblance!

Join Our Facebook Group!

Not all Hallmark movies will make you weep and burn through a box of Kleenex like The Color of Rain, but we share our thoughts on all of them on our Facebook page.  We would love for you to join us.  Find us here:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lacey Chabert Compromises Her Faith in Hallmark's "Groundswell"

Image:  Crown Media Lacey Chabert Is a Hallmark A-Lister Before Candace Cameron Bure left Hallmark for Great American Family, fans would good-naturedly spar over who should be crowned the network's Queen of Christmas --Bure or Lacey Chabert.  Starring in more leading roles on Hallmark than other actresses, both ladies seemed to retain a firm reign over the network, evidenced by their massive viewing audience. All fans have their favorite Chabert movie, but there's no denying that A Christmas Waltz was the number one most watched original movie premiere in 2020, and in 2022, The Wedding Veil broke Hallmark viewing records by drawing in more than 3.3 million live viewers.  In fact, The Wedding Veil outperformed all of Hallmark's 2021 movies, proving Chabert's popularity shows no sign of waning. Surprisingly, as many familiar faces left Hallmark for Great American Family, like Jen Lilley and CCB, Chabert not only stayed with Hallmark, but she also signed a 2-year deal

Did You Notice THIS Change In Hallmark's "Raise a Glass to Love?"

Starring:  Laura Osnes and Juan Pablo di Pace Released:  2021 (Fall Harvest) Summary:  An aspiring Master Sommelier returns to her family vineyard to study and is intrigued by the natural methods of the handsome new Argentinian winemaker. Magic happens when Hallmark actually uses talented actors instead of inexperienced "newbies." Jenna's Boyfriend, Aidan, Isn't A Weiner When a female lead already has a boyfriend before she meets her true love, Hallmark traditionally casts the secondary male character as a bit of a jerk, someone homely, or a puny fella so viewers won't get attached to him and be upset when he's kicked to the curb.  A recent example is Callie's ex-boyfriend, Joe, in Roadhouse Romance . Played by Adil Zaidi, no one is heartbroken when Callie decides against rekindling her romance with high school sweetheart, Joe. In a refreshing change-up, Raise a Glass to Love pairs Jenna Savern (Laura Osnes) with Aidan Parker (Matthew James Dowden).  Aida

Hallmark Announces 12 New Spring Movies for 2023! (*UPDATED* with More Movies & Printable Checklist!)

Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries are gearing up for some egg-cellent entertainment this spring, featuring twelve new movies that will premiere between both channels. Check out the list below to see which of your favorite Hallmark celebrities will headline each new movie and note their March and April 2023 air dates and times. You will find a printable checklist at the end of the post to track the movies you watch!   1.  The Love Club:  Nicole's Pen Pal Image:  Hallmark Media Brittany Bristow and Marcus Rosner kick of Hallmark Channel's Spring into Love 2023 with this movie about a recently engaged woman who is having second thoughts.  She wonders if the one she's meant to be with is really her mystery college pen pal whose letters she has kept for years. It sounds a little like Her Pen Pal from 2021, but hopefully the details will make it unique rather than a carbon copy of a previously aired movie. The Love Club:  Nicole's Pen Pal  premieres March

Take This Trivia QUIZ on Hallmark's "The Wedding Veil"

The Wedding Veil Plot Summary   The Wedding Veil is the first installment of a new trilogy that follows three longtime college friends who discover a mysterious, antique veil fabled to unite its bearer with her true love.  After discovering a long-lost painting, museum curator Avery and new board member Peter investigate the artwork's origins as they plan a gala to unveil it. Starring :  Lacey Chabert, Kevin McGarry, Autumn Reeser, and Alison Sweeney Lacey always makes a beautiful bride!  Image:  Crown Media The Wedding Veil Is Inspired by Lori Wilde's Book Churning out tons of new movies each year takes a toll on Hallmark's creativity.  How many plots can be about a writer, and is it common for so many people to suffer from amnesia? Recycled stories grow wearisome, but when Hallmark taps authors outside their own bubble, fans benefit from fun, light-hearted romances that are refreshingly unique. The Wedding Veil  is inspired by the book, There Goes the Bride by Lori

UPDATED: Hallmark Announces FIVE New Movies for May 2023!

Between Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, fans have been treated to 12 new movies spanning March and April 2023.   As TV infomercials always tease, " But wait!  There's more !"   Hallmark is cranking out an additional FIVE  new movies during May 2023. 1.  When Love Springs Premieres May 6 at 8pm Eastern This movie uses the "fake boyfriend" trope.  Starring Rhiannon Fish and James William O'Halloran, the movie is about Rory (Fish) who goes to a quaint B&B on the lake where her parents are renewing their vows.  She bumps into the ex-boyfriend who broke who heart who is there with his new girlfriend.  To save face, Rory grabs onto the B&B owner, Noah (O'Halloran), and pretends he is her boyfriend.  Why would Noah go along with this charade?  The B&B is failing, but a travel blogger is coming to review the place.  With a background in PR, Rory offers to help Noah prepare in exchange for him pretending to be her boyfriend. Yo

Hallmark Announces 7 NEW Movies for September 2023! Download the Printable CHECKLIST!

If you're ready to cool down and get cozy with all the comforts of Fall, Hallmark has a slate of SEVEN new movies planned for September 2023 --four on Hallmark Channel and three on Movies & Mysteries. Keep reading for more information on movie titles and plot summaries, air dates and times, and cast members. You will also find a printable movie checklist that you can download to track the movies you want to see. 1.  Love in the Great Smoky Mountains:  A National Park Romance Premieres:  Saturday, September 2 at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) Starring:  Arielle Kebbel and Zach Roerig Synopsis:    Former sweethearts  reunite at an archeological dig in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While working alongside each other and competing for the same research grant, they discover they might still have feelings for one another. Image:  Hallmark Media 2.  Guiding Emily Premieres :  Friday, September 8 at 9pm Eastern (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries) Starring:  Sarah Drew and A

Hallmark Movies Available on DVD in 2023!

List of All New Hallmark DVD Releases for 2023   When you watch a Hallmark movie premiere and it becomes a new favorite, it's exciting to discover it's been released to DVD.  Space is limited on your DVR, so having your own library of Hallmark DVDs is the best way to watch the movies you love whenever you want. You're busy though, so you may forget to search online for the latest releases.  No need to worry!  This blog post will continue to track each new Hallmark DVD as it becomes available.  Be sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back over the course of the year for updates. The Wedding Veil Trilogy 2 Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas/ Our Italian Christmas Memories/ Christmas Bells Are Ringing Christmas Sail/ The Royal Nanny/ A Royal Corgi Christmas Hallmark Countdown to Christmas 6-Movie Collection:  A Holiday Spectacular/We Wish You a Married Christmas/Jolly Good Christmas/#XMAS/Christmas Bedtime Stories/Ghosts of Christmas Always Hallmark Countdown to C

Hallmark Announces SEVEN New Movies for July/August's "Summer Nights!" Get the Printable Checklist!

Hallmark revealed to ET  that they will premiere seven new movies for their annual Summer Nights celebration, starting July 29 and running through August 2023. Five movies will debut on the Hallmark Channel while two will appear on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. In addition, fans of When Calls the Heart can expect new episodes for season 10 on Sunday nights.  1.  Aloha Heart Premieres:  Saturday, July 29 at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) Starring:  Taylor Cole and Kanoa Goo Synopsis:  A conservationist travels to Hawaii for her best friend's wedding and instead of a relaxing vacation, finds herself in a wedding prep and helping the new hotel manager make changes to his family hotel. Image:  Hallmark Media 2.  Making Waves Premieres:  Saturday, August 5 at 8pm Eastern (Hallmark Channel) Starring:  Holland Roden and Corey Cott Synopsis:  Amelia (Roden) is a music executive who travels to the Outer Banks for a festival where she tries to beat her competitors in landing an elusiv

The Complete List of Lacey Chabert's Hallmark Movies PLUS a Gorgeous Video Compilation of All the Titles!

Lacey Chabert is the face of Hallmark's feel-good brand.  By the end of 2023, she will have starred in 38 movies between Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. It's no wonder Chabert has been unofficially dubbed The Queen of Hallmark ! In this post, you will find the complete list of all Chabert's Hallmark movies, learn which ones you can still find on DVD , and view a beautiful video montage of each Hallmark title in her filmography (at the very end).   The Complete List of Lacey Chabert's Hallmark Movies & Amazon DVD Availability Here's a chronological list of all the movies in which Lacey Chabert has starred.  It includes the movie poster, year it premiered, the character Chabert played, Chabert's co-star, a plot summary (from Hallmark's website), and whether or not you can still order the DVD through Amazon. * PLEASE NOTE :  If you see DVD in green , it means the DVD can still be purchased, and a link is included for your convenience