HALO Recommends

Breakthrough (A boy drowned and came back to life.)  – Added September 2020 The Movie “Breakthrough,” produced in 2019, depicts the true story of a 14-year old boy, John Smith, who fell through the ice on Lake Louise in St. Charles, MO in 2015. He was under water for 15 minutes before being rescued and rushed to a hospital. Though the doctors worked tirelessly to revive John, they eventually had no choice but to declare him dead. John’s mother, Joyce, was called into the room to say goodbye to his lifeless body. There were no signs of life, but Joyce didn’t give up. She begged God to bring back her son. John remained in this lifeless state for 45–55 minutes. Suddenly, miraculously, John’s heart started beating again. Everyone was elated beyond words with this unexpected sign; however, it did not mean he was “out of the woods” or that recovery was assured. John was transferred to Cardinal Glennon Hospital where he remained in a coma with life support under the care of a pediatric critical care physician, Dr Jerome Garrett, who is also a world-renowned hypothermia and drowning expert. Dr. Garrett gave little hope for John’s survival and warned the parents that, if he did live, he would be severely neurologically impaired and would never again have normalcy in his life. When the parents were at the point of giving up all hope, it was decided to remove the ventilator to see if John’s organs could support life. A second miracle took place! John opened his eyes, recognized his mother, and said, “MOM.” Sixteen days after the accident, John walked out of the hospital without any physical or neurological impairment. Now, five years later, John is studying for the ministry at a midwestern Christian college. He continues to share his experience “as an example of faith in God’s amazing power.” Reviewed by Marlene Reid Image: 20th Century Fox

ATTENTION READERS If you are in a position to help HALO financially—and ONLY if you are positioned to do so—your generous donation at this time is crucially important. Anything you can do is greatly appreciated. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows. Please send checks only to: HALO, 7301 Bass Lake Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55428. Donate Online HALO MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Healthcare Advocacy and Leadership Organization is to promote, protect, and advocate for the rights of the medically vulnerable through direct patient and family interactions; through community education and awareness programs; and through promotion and development of concrete *"life-affirming healthcare"* alternatives for those facing the grave consequences of healthcare rationing and unethical practices, especially those at risk of euthanasia and assisted suicide. *"Life-affirming healthcare" is defined as medical care in which the paramount principle is the sanctity of life, which means that the life and safety of each person come first and each person receives medical care across their lifespan based on their need for care and never with an intention to hasten death, regardless of their abilities or perceived "quality of life."