'A Mosquito Bite Can Ruin Your Life:' Rutherford Dad Battles West Nile Virus Nightmare. Daily Rutherford Newspaper Article.
A routine day in August turned into a nightmare for Bergen County dad and CUNY professor Francis (Frank) Cornacchiulo, who went from walking and talking to being on life support within 48 hours. Frank was born in Brooklyn and his family moved to Bellport, New York during the late 1960's where he spent his childhood until he graduated from Bellport High School. Frank began his computer career when he was a teenager. He was selected to be an Intern for the IRS in New York. His first out out of town trip for the IRS was in DallasTexas. When he completed his assignment at the IRS he continued College at RIT in Rochester, New York. After graduating RIT with a Computer Science Degree
He was hired by REFCO a commodities trading companies. Over the years he continued his career with many financial corporations. For instance, Deutsche Bank, Shadow, Merrill Lynch and many orther global companies in excutive positions, Mostly all were located in the downtown Wall Street area. He was there for both bombing attacks (1993 & 911) on the Twin Towers. Unfortunately, he was one of many people covered with debris running for their lives, when the Towers collapsed. As an high level excutive computer programer and analyst he also was required to move to Gernany for a year, and other locations around the world such as Italy, Egypt, Bermuda, India, and others that I can't recall.
Frank Cornacchiulo, who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and was on immunosuppressive treatment with Rituxan, contracted the virus over the summer, which triggered encephalitis — a severe brain inflammation — that has left him unable to eat, speak, or walk.
Frank Cornacchiulo's sister-in-law, Tanya Kevorkian, described the rapid decline since Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024
“He was sick with flu-like symptoms," she said. "By Sunday night he was on life support."
And he hasn't left the hospital since.
Cornacchiulo spent two months performing tests, including repeated spinal taps, before identifying West Nile Virus as the cause. “It went into his brain, which impacted everything — his motor functions, speaking, eating," Kevorkian said. "He went from normal to a vegetable overnight."
As of Monday, Nov. 18, more than $7,800 had been raised on a campaign for Cornacchiulo's recovery and as of this date the "GO Fund ME Account keeps growing every day to $35,400." and
Frank Cornacchiulo with his wife Lydia and their children.
Cornacchiulo family photo
A Knight of Columbus and CUNY adjunct professor at Lehman College, Cornacchiulo was highly active in his community before the illness. He also volunteered countless hours teaching STEM and robotics. Frank was also selected to represent the State of New Jersey when he was invited to the White House. The invitation was to participate in celebrating the National Maker Faire, an event that showcased the diverse array of maker projects and emphasized the significance of hands-on STEM learning experiences. This prestigious opportunity came during President Obama's National Week of Making, further highlighting the importance of Frank's role as a representative of the state. Frank felt deeply honored to be chosen as a representative and
was eager to contribute to the celebration of innovation and creativity at the White House.
Cornacchiulo is in rehabilitation aimed at regaining basic functions at the Kessler Institute, however, his condition remains uncertain as his body and brain heals.
“This isn’t a six-week recovery," his sister-in-law said. "It’s unknown if or when he’ll regain functionality."
Cornacchiulo's wife, Lydia Cornacchiulo, is bracing for the challenges ahead.
“The house has to be modified just to get him in and out. He’ll need help with everything — from using the bathroom to transportation,” Kevorkian explained.
The family warns others, especially those who are immunocompromised, about the dangers of West Nile Virus. Our family Christmas celebration will never be the same.
“A mosquito bite can ruin your life,” Kevorkian said. “If you’re on immunosuppressants, you’re highly vulnerable. Everyone needs to protect themselves.”
The family's fundraiser to help cover medical bills, home modifications, and ongoing therapy costs. “We need contuned community’s support. For his medical bills and contruction to make his home ready for Frank to be self sufficient when he returns home. Thank God that his family, friends, doctors, associates and total strangers give him the support he needs to regain his life.
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