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Jim Caviezel and Kerri Browitt Caviezel | Source: Getty Images
Jim Caviezel and Kerri Browitt Caviezel | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel's Children Had Cancer When They Were Adopted from China

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Jul 17, 2023
04:45 A.M.

Actor Jim Caviezel and his wife, Kerri Browitt Caviezel, have shared an extraordinary journey, raising three adopted children, each diagnosed with cancer. Despite their challenges, the couple embraced their role as parents with unwavering love and dedication.

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Beyond their fame, Jim Caviezel and his wife, Kerri Browitt Caviezel, sincerely admire one another, exemplifying the virtues of generosity, faithfulness, and kindness that define a successful marriage.

Notably, their generosity knows no bounds. Proudly parenting their adopted children, Jim and Kerri Caviezel have navigated the trials of parenthood with grace, ensuring that all their kids know they are loved and cherished.

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the VH1 Big in '04 - Arrivals at Shrine Auditorium in December 2004 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the VH1 Big in '04 - Arrivals at Shrine Auditorium in December 2004 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and His Wife Adopted Their Children from China

Jim Caviezel and Kerri Browitt Caviezel, devoted advocates for the pro-life movement, have three adopted children: sons Bo, David, and daughter Lyn.

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The couple remains private about their children's identities, but Jim shared in 2008 that adopting the three kids began when his non-pro-life friend challenged him to adopt a child with a disability.

The friend asserted that if Jim adopted a disabled child, he would reconsider his stance and embrace the pro-life perspective. The couple went to China to adopt not just one but two orphans — son Bo and daughter Lyn.

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the 2004 ESPY Awards at Kodak Theatre in May 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the 2004 ESPY Awards at Kodak Theatre in May 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

The couple's first child, Bo, had a difficult beginning as he was left on a train and spent his early years in an orphanage. Lyn, who hails from the Guangzhou region of China, was adopted from a foster home. Both of the kids were diagnosed with brain tumors.

After Jim and his wife adopted Bo and Lyn, their friend didn't keep his end of the agreement. Despite this, Jim didn't find it bothersome that his friend didn't fulfill his promise or stick to his pro-choice beliefs.

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The couple eventually adopted their third child, David, who is also from China and, according to Jim, was diagnosed with sarcoma, another type of cancer.

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend "The Thin Red Line" Beverly Hills Premiere on December 22, 1998, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend "The Thin Red Line" Beverly Hills Premiere on December 22, 1998, at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel's Children Have Changed the Actor and His Wife's View on Parenthood

Jim's capacity to love has expanded, and he wholeheartedly embraces the demanding yet fulfilling journey of being a father to three kids. Reflecting on fatherhood, he said he no longer recognizes his former self.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding their kids' chances of survival, Jim said that his three kids have made him a "better man" and that he knows "love is a decision."

Jim shared that his fellow actor Dennis Quaid once gave him profound insight when he said that having a child would cause emotions he had never experienced to surface.

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Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel during Deja Vu New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals at Ziegfeld Theater in November 2006 in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel during Deja Vu New York Premiere - Outside Arrivals at Ziegfeld Theater in November 2006 in New York City, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Now, Jim fully understands what Quaid meant, and this new understanding has deeply impacted him. Like Jim, Kerri reflected on motherhood, faith in God, and how pain can transform people. She said in 2015:

"It all comes down to how you handle it. Jesus is with you every step of the way."

Kerri emphasized the importance of spirituality in her life, including practices like praying the rosary, attending Mass, and spending time in adoration. These spiritual practices helped her cope with life's struggles.

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the MTV Movie Awards 2004 at Sony Pictures Studios in June 2004 in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the MTV Movie Awards 2004 at Sony Pictures Studios in June 2004 in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images

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She also expressed her love and gratitude for her adopted children, who profoundly impacted her life. She called Bo "the boy of unending joy" and the "perfect answer to my prayers."

Meanwhile, Kerri affectionately refers to Lyn as "LeLe," describing her as "the girl with the courageous spirit," while David is known as the "baby with the enduring smile."

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the premiere of "When The Game Stands Tall" at ArcLight Hollywood on August 4, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel attend the premiere of "When The Game Stands Tall" at ArcLight Hollywood on August 4, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezel's Children Make Him a 'Better Man'

As a devout Catholic, Jim Caviezel's faith compels him to use his platform to spread the word of God, striving to create a positive impact on the world.

He is drawn to challenging and dark roles, finding himself a beacon of light within those narratives. His desire to make a difference led him and his wife to embrace the responsibility of adopting three children with health problems.

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Despite the uncertainty surrounding their kids' chances of survival, Jim said that his three kids have made him a "better man" and that he knows "love is a decision."

Jim Caviezal and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel arrive at the Premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Super 8" held at the Regency Village Theater in June 2011 in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim Caviezal and his wife Kerri Browitt Caviezel arrive at the Premiere of Paramount Pictures' "Super 8" held at the Regency Village Theater in June 2011 in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Jim is among the many celebrities who have spoken about adopting children. Notable Hollywood stars who are adoptive parents are Viola Davis, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, and Madonna.

The actor gained fame as Jesus Christ in the film "Passion of the Christ," alongside talented actors such as Monica Belluci, Maia Morgenstern, and Rosalinda Celentano.

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