Film about Sugar Creek Twp. pastor's miraculous recovery to debut

The movie "A Paralyzing Redemption" will premiere on March 8 at RiverTree Christian Church in Jackson Township.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new film based on the memoir of Rev. Brian Ziegler, a pastor at RiverTree Christian Church's Fairless campus in Sugar Creek Township, will debut on March 8. The film, titled "A Paralyzing Redemption," chronicles Ziegler's miraculous recovery from paralysis after a 2000 car crash. The movie features several notable actors, including Dean Cain and North Canton native Eddie McClintock, and was directed by Jason Campbell of JC Films Studios.

Why it matters

Ziegler's story of perseverance and faith in the face of a life-altering injury has resonated with many, leading to the creation of this film. The premiere event at RiverTree Christian Church is expected to draw a large crowd interested in Ziegler's inspiring journey and the powerful message of redemption and hope that the film aims to convey.

The details

The film was shot partially at Ziegler's Brewster-area church, with some church members even getting the chance to be extras. Production was briefly delayed after the actor portraying Ziegler, Deaton Gabbard, broke his arm in a fall. The film was directed by Jason Campbell, whose production company JC Films has several other Ohio-based projects in the works.

  • The film "A Paralyzing Redemption" will premiere on March 8, 2026 at 3 p.m.
  • Shooting for the film began in the late summer of 2024.
  • There was a six-month delay in production after Gabbard's injury.

The players

Rev. Brian Ziegler

The lead pastor at RiverTree Christian Church's Fairless campus in Sugar Creek Township, whose miraculous recovery from paralysis after a 2000 car crash is the subject of the film.

Dean Cain

An actor who appears in the film.

Eddie McClintock

A North Canton native and filmmaker who appears in the film.

Deaton Gabbard

The actor who portrays Rev. Ziegler in the film.

Gabrielle McAndrew

The producer, writer, casting director, location scout, and editor of the film, who also had a speaking role as Ziegler's wife.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“To see it on the big screen is exciting.”

— Rev. Brian Ziegler, Lead pastor at RiverTree Christian Church's Fairless campus

“Dean Cain and I were onstage at Jackson RiverTree to do a promo. He's a great father and loves the police. It was great to get to know him.”

— Rev. Brian Ziegler, Lead pastor at RiverTree Christian Church's Fairless campus

“With Pastor Brian's blessing, I played his wife, Suzie.”

— Gabrielle McAndrew, Producer, writer, casting director, location scout, and editor of the film

“It's about persevering, not giving up. I think one of the strong takeaways is, God does not want us to be perfect. He loves us just the way we are.”

— Jason Campbell, Director of the film, founding president and CEO of JC Films Studios

“The main reason that I got involved with the project as I did was entirely because of my faith. I think Pastor Brian's story is a really powerful testimony to redemption and God's healing power.”

— Gabrielle McAndrew, Producer, writer, casting director, location scout, and editor of the film

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This film about Rev. Brian Ziegler's miraculous recovery from paralysis offers a powerful message of perseverance, faith, and God's redemptive power, inspiring viewers to find hope and healing in their own lives.