WAMG Attends the BREAKTHROUGH Tribute to the Film’s Subject John Smith at the Lake Where He Almost Drowned

BREAKTHROUGH is based on the inspirational true story of one mother’s unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith’s adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up. Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John’s recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction.

Applauded by the first responders who worked to rescue him, John Smith made his way to the stage in front of Lake Saint Louis on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in Lake St. Louis, where he was introduced as the young man who was saved four years ago after falling through the ice. There was a proclamation by the mayor of Lake St. Louis and many of the principals spoke. They gathered to celebrate his rescue, miraculous recovery, and the movie BREAKTHROUGH, which opens everywhere April 17th.

John and Joyce Smith were in attendance as were their big-screen counterparts Chrissy Metz and Marcel Ruiz. Also attending the dedication ceremony were Pastor Jason Noble, the film’s director Roxann Dawson (a former actress who played B’Elanna Torres on the show Star Trek Voyager from 1996 to 2001), the film’s producer DeVon Franklin, and dozens of first responders from the Lake Saint Louis police and fire departments including Tommy Shine (played in the film by Mike Colter), the hero who fished young John from his watery would-be grave.

Enjoy these picture taken at the ceremony by We Are Movie Geeks: