It was July 3. 

Life seemed normal for Sergio and Elda Corona, who were anticipating a birthday party for their 4-year-old daughter and expecting their baby who was due in November. 

Sergio Corona during his recovery at Holy Cross Hospital - Jordan Valley Rehab unit. He is holding his certificate of achievement. (Photo courtesy of Rocio Diaz)

Sergio was working in an indoor remodeling shop when he had a severe asthma attack. His brother and co-worker quickly took him to Holy Cross Hospital in West Jordan. The assistant manager, Todd Dent of the emergency department, and the emergency nurse Travis Andersen, were heading home after their shift ended. They saw Sergio’s brother barreling his car into the emergency bay. Dent and Andersen ran to the car and could see Sergio was in respiratory arrest. They immediately got him onto a stretcher and started CPR while they wheeled him to the emergency room. 

Elda was at the store, gathering last minute items for her daughter's birthday party when she got a call from Sergio's brother. By the time Elda got to the hospital Sergio was being transferred to the ICU and suffering a heart attack. 

Sergio spent the next three months in a coma. 

When he came out of the coma he began physical and occupational therapy, strengthening enough to be transferred to the rehab unit. 

It was October and Elda, determined to have her husband present at the birth, changed doctors so she could deliver at Jordan Valley so Sergio could be there. 

The day when Elda would be induced saw other women go into active labor, delaying the birth. So she decided to go downstairs where family and friends were visiting with her husband. 

Sergio Corona, a patient at Holy Cross - Jordan Valley while in rehab for several months, was able to witness the birth of his baby boy Sergio Jr. Pictured is with nurse Krista Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Rocio Diaz)

While Sergio went to check his meds, Elda returned to the labor and delivery floor. She started pushing, worried Sergio wouldn’t make it in time, when he entered the room in a wheelchair.  

He was able to witness the birth of his baby boy Sergio Jr. on Nov. 17, 2025. Sergio described the moment as “amazing.” 

Sergio is now in California with his sister-in-law recovering. 

There was a time when Elda thought Sergio would never come out of his coma. But she persisted, keeping him connected to life support after seeing his eyes flutter open of his finger move. 

 “I’m not going to do anything until his last heartbeat. Once his heart starts failing and he beats his last heartbeat then let it be where God will be,” Elda said. 

Sergio is continuing to recover from his brain injury, which was caused by lack of oxygen and his heart attack. Sergio said he is grateful to the team that saved his life and helped him be part of the most important moment: the birth of his son.