The real family from Breakthrough are Missouri residents John Smith, Joyce Smith, and Brian Smith. John miraculously survived drowning in Lake St. Louise.
John Smith from Breakthrough was born in Guatemala. A Missouri couple called Joyce and Brian Smith adopted him and brought him to the US in 2000.
The 23-year-old grew up under the care of his adoptive parents and three elder brothers. He initially resented his biological parents for abandoning him. But, once he became the beneficiary of God’s miracle, Smith learned forgiveness and reconciled with his biological family in 2022.
Breakthrough is an American non-fiction movie based on the 2017 book, The Impossible. Directed by Roxann Dawson, the film tells the story of a 14-year-old who falls into a coma after getting stuck underwater for 15 minutes.
The 2019 film follows the Smith family from St. Charles, Missouri. A couple named Brian and Joyce Smith are raising their adopted son John Smith, who is 14 years old. John is originally from Guatemala and suffers from abandonment issues despite having a loving foster family.
The teenager, along with his friends Reiger and Josh, goes to play at the frozen Lake St. Louis on January 19, 2015. The three boys fall into the lake through the ice as it was not strong enough to hold them.
While Josh and Reiger are immediately rescued, the rescuers are unable to find John. He is finally rescued after 15 minutes but shows no sign of life as he has no breath or pulse.
Although immediately taken to St. Joseph Hospital West, John could not be revived for nearly 55 minutes. However, he is miraculously revived after his mother selflessly prays to God.
Breakthrough advocates the significance of faith in a person’s life. The movie also promotes positivity along with racial and religious tolerance. Released on April 17, 2019, the film stars Chrissy Metz, Marcel Ruiz, and Topher Grace in leading roles.
Breakthrough Movie True Story Real Family
Breakthrough movie real family includes John Smith and his adoptive parents Joyce Smith and Brian Smith. John also has a wife Abigail Smith and son Rhett Smith.
John has three brothers from his foster parents, namely Charles Smith, Joseph Smith, and Tom Smith. Further, he has also reunited with his biological family in Guatemala.
Smith has forgiven his parents for abandoning him as an infant. He found out that he had three brothers from his biological parents. John has a strong relationship with his elder brother Erik; the two communicate every day.
Mom Joyce Smith
John Smith mother Joyce is originally from Wichita, Kansas. Due to her father’s job at a tool and die company, Joyce’s family moved around a lot.
Joyce lived in Ohio for a few years before moving to eight other US states. Likewise, she also briefly lived in Germany and Canada.
Talking about her professional life, Smith worked in accounting for 25 years before retiring in 2001. Despite her lengthy career, Joyce still considers her husband and kids as her biggest achievements in life.
In 2017, Joyce co-authored a book with writer Ginger Kolbaba. The book, titled Breakthrough: The Miraculous True Story of a Mother’s Faith and Her Child’s Resurrection, tells the true story of John’s accident and his miraculous recovery.
Smith is a talented writer with the skill to engage her readers. She has authored several books, including Cuts To The Soul, The Chameleon, The Impossible, Reliable Keys, and more.
Dad Brian Smith
John Smith father Brian is the one to come up with the idea to adopt John.
Around 2001, Brian was in Guatemala as a social worker; he was helping to build schools. There, he first came across a newly-born John and immediately discussed the idea of adopting him with his wife Joyce.
The couple mutually agreed and adopted John by the time he was five months old. Brian now leads a peaceful retired life, taking care of kids and grandkids.
Spouse Abigail Elise Smith
John Smith wife Abigail Smith is his former high-school sweetheart. The couple started dating when they were both 16 years old.
The duo first crossed paths when they were both in 8th grade. Initially, the two couldn’t stand each other. Abigail, also called Abby, and John attended Christian High School where they gradually became friends and, later, best friends.
By the time their freshman year ended, the pair had commenced a romantic relationship. The Smith couple also temporarily lived in Minnesota where they got their Pastoral Ministries degree.
Abby and John got engaged in January 2020 after the latter promised to the former in the most romantic fashion. John made his sweet proposal at their former high school located in O’Fallon, Missouri. The spot holds a special place in their hearts as it was where the couple had their first kiss.
As expected, the pair didn’t wait for long to level up their relationship. John and his partner got their marriage license on October 1, 2020. Their wedding took place in Hermann, Missouri, on October 17, 2020. The event was a traditional Christian ceremony attended by the couple’s closest friends and family members.
Son Everett Smith
Everett Judah Smith, nicknamed Rhett, is the only child of John Allen Smith and Abigail Elise Smith.
Everett was born on December 10, 2021, at 10:50 in the morning. Abby delivered her first baby at the Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur, Missouri. At the time of his birth, Rhett was 20 inches in height and weighed 7 pounds and 6 ounces.
The most adorable member of the Smith family, Rhett is beloved by his parents and grandparents.
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Where Is John Smith Breakthrough Today?
Breakthrough star John Smith is a motivational speaker and basketball coach today. John trains youngsters playing for O’Fallon Renegades.
Moreover, John regularly tours the country, giving speeches at high schools and churches. His common topics of discussion are his life experiences and how the drowning accident inspired him for the good. He is also a devoted Christian and regularly talks about his faith.
The last few years have been interesting for John. Smith has not only found a beautiful wife and attained fatherhood, but he also learned forgiveness as he got over the resentment he had for his birth mother.
John traveled to his birth country last year and reunited with his biological family. He is in regular contact with his elder brother Erik, who lives in Guatemala.
Likewise, Smith is currently attending a Christian college called North Central University. He will officially become a pastor once he graduates from the university.
John Smith Breakthrough Age
John Smith from Breakthrough is 23 years old in 2023. Smith was born in Guatemala on May 24, 2019.
On his 19th birthday in 2019, Smith shared a photo at a farm with “19” as the caption.
Joyce and Brian Smith legally adopted him on November 15, 2000, when he was less than six months old. John has been eternally grateful to his foster family for loving and caring for him.
Interestingly, John’s wife Abigail is the same age as him. Abby is also currently 23 years old.
Also Read: Real Family and Their True Story on Sound of Freedom