Uninsured immigrant in coma shows some improvements

by William D'Urso - Oct. 6, 2011 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Jesus Cornelio, a 23-year-old uninsured Mexican immigrant whose plight has drawn widespread attention, remains in a coma at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center.

Hospital spokeswoman Rainey Holloway said while his status remains serious, there have been encouraging improvements. Cornelio now is able to breathe without assistance and has been receiving physical therapy.

Cornelio is in the United States legally with an employment-authorization document. Holloway said there are no immediate plans to move him from the hospital, and there is no date by which he must leave.


"There is no deadline. There has never been a deadline," she said. "We're working with him as long as it's needed."

She said the goal is to get him strong enough so he no longer needs hospital treatment and can be moved into long-term care.

The family remains in consultation with doctors to discuss treatment options for Cornelio.

Cornelio collapsed about two weeks ago when he was playing soccer and was hospitalized in a coma. Holloway said they believe the collapse was the result of a heart problem.

Cornelio married his wife, Evelyn, a U.S. citizen, in April 2010. He received his Social Security card last month, but he is not eligible for benefits from the state's Medicaid program. Cornelio is without health insurance.

The case drew attention because of Cornelio's immigrant status, his lack of insurance and the possibility that Cornelio's family might have to seek medical treatment for him in Mexico.

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