A New Jersey couple had just celebrated a big birthday and thought life was perfect. Then, a devastating illness quickly changed everything. Chris Cornett turned 40 less than two weeks before doctors diagnosed him with influenza on March 6.
His wife, Jasmine Cornett, had also been battling the flu, and the pair expected they’d both be OK in a few days. Instead, Chris’ illness progressed rapidly, and now he’s spent more than 50 days in intensive care, at one point nearly losing his life.
Jasmine — a mom of four — shared her story with CafeMom, explaining how her husband’s illness not only sidelined the family but also made her a better mother and a more thankful wife. It is a true testament to the power of love and never giving up on one another.
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Chris was perfectly healthy before this all started.
Jasmine says he spiked a 104.5 fever, so she took him to urgent care on March 6. She also had the flu, so it seemed like a cut-and-dry case, but two days later, she rushed her husband to the emergency room because he was having trouble breathing.
By March 9, he was in the ICU and intubated. No matter what doctors did, Chris’ health continued to fail.
One illness seemed to lead to another and then another.
She tells CafeMom it started with the flu, but things took a turn very quickly.
It started with “the flu that turned into pneumonia, then MRSA, pneumonia, septic shock, acute respiratory failure … gallbladder is bad … liver still suffering from all of the medication,” Jasmine explains. “[The] prognosis is better than what it was but they cannot give one.”
Jasmine has shared details of his story with family and friends on her private Facebook page throughout their journey and has given CafeMom permission to share her words.
On March 17, she wrote, “I am an over worrier, but who wouldn’t be in this situation. His kidney function is improving everyday and his liver function is slowly starting to as well which I’ll take. I just keep saying ‘we have to get over this hump and he will heal’ I kissed him on his head so much and he grimaced at me. I know he’s in there.”
Jasmine has tried to be strong for her husband and her children.
The couple has been together for 21 years and married for 17. Together, they have four children who are trying to process the fear and grief alongside their mom. Jasmine says she shares things in an age-appropriate way.
“My oldest knew everything. My 15- and 11-year-old I gave the main of it preparing them bc when things were bad they were BAD, but also left out certain things. My son [who is in elementary school], I told him that daddy is very sick and his lungs are very hurt. I told him that they have a machine working for his lungs while he sleeps so his lungs can rest,” she explains.
Jasmine says she is always by Chris’ side and that his illness has changed her. “I lived at this hospital and watched him almost die three times. I am forever traumatized. I am not the same woman I was prior to 3/8. I have had to start therapy and have severe PTSD,” she explains.
She is thankful for a loving community.
The Cornett family lives in Jamesburg, New Jersey, where they have been showered with love from family and friends. Jasmine says loved ones have provided meals and jumped in to help the kids with rides to their various extracurricular activities.
Vivian Arias created a GoFundMe account for the family that has surpassed its original $5,000 goal, raising more than $5,600 thus far.
A donor shared, “20 years of friendship through Wakefern my Buddy Chris is the best. We all know you can beat this Keep on fighting!!!!!! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.”
Another person wrote, “Chris your a good person. Praying for you for total healing. God bless.”
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Jasmine says this entire ordeal has made her relationship stronger.
Though they don’t know the future, Jasmine and Chris are overwhelmed with gratitude that he is alive.
“I took everything for granted, as did he; pls remember to never take anything for granted. I never really believed that saying until this all happened,” she says. “We both feel so blessed to be able to tell his story. Sure he can’t walk or talk yet while we await rehab, but he just came out of a coma 15 days ago and can take steps! He is truly a loving miracle!”
Jasmine adds that Chris’ illness has also helped her as a mom. “I’ve learned how to temporarily single parent. It took a lot to adjust, but my kids and I have learned to make it all work by working together.”
The couple is committed to a life full of love and healing. “Now we know what the true meaning of life is and have a new found love for each other … for what each of us has been through on this journey,” Jasmine shares.
