Andrew Schimmer's Wife Jorhomy Is Recovering Well, 'For The First Time, She Tried To Hug Back Our Son'

If you are on TikTok, you might have come across the videos uploaded by actor Andrew Schimmer of his wife Jorhomy Rovero who has been confined in the intensive care unit of St. Luke's Medical Center for over 10 months now. Their love story has been featured in mainstream TV, lauding Andrew for his unconditional love for his wife.

Recently, the 36-year-old actor and dad of two uploaded a heartwarming video of his 8-year-old son Sander talking to his mom.

In the 6-minute video clip, Sander was narrating all of his plans and wishes for his mom when she goes home. Then he said, "I love you so much, Mommy, I want to hug you." At this point, Jho moved her face closer to her son, as if to hug him back.

Andrew said it's been a while since their kids visited their mom, "For the first time she tried to hug back our son, even for a second. Hearing the voice of her baby bungso after [a] few weeks, she missed him so much, the reaction on her face, while she listens to his voice, was priceless."

@helpjorhomytorecover #helpjorhomytorecover #sonsloveformom #theschimmers ? original sound  - Jorhomy Reiena Rovero

Sander continued, "Mommy, when you're well na, we will go to the mall with you, Mommy. You and ate will go shopping. After we go shopping, we will give you a big present that you will like, we will give you what you want in the mall."

Andrew shared in a video in August that they are just waiting for clearance from his wife's pulmonologist so they can bring her home.

@helpjorhomytorecover Update august 18, 2022 #andrewschimmer #helpjorhomytorecover #theschimmers #andrewschimmer ? original sound  - Jorhomy Reiena Rovero

"Mommy, I love you very, very much. You're my favorite, Mommy. The prettiest. Dad is doing everything to help you and make you happy because he loves you very, very much," Sander added.

Andrew's wife Jho's condition

In an interview with NET 25, Andrew recounted how his wife ended up in the hospital on the wee hours of November 1 last year.

"Nagstart ito nung November 1, 2021. Nagstart siya as severe asthma attack lang, from severe asthma attack nag-cardiac arrest siya," he said.

Andrew said that his wife is used to having asthma attacks every day, and all of her inhaler, nebulizer, and medicines are ready. 

"That time around 3:30 A.M., ginising niya ko grabe yung hika niya. This time, nahirapan daw siya huminga. Parang nachu-choke this time," he said.

He wanted to take her to the hospital, but Jho insisted that Andrew just buy a certain medicine because she fears that they might contract Covid-19 virus in the hospital.

"Pinabili ako ng gamot, pag-akyat ko iba na itsura niya, iba na yung hinga, nag-iba yung pulse. Nung nasa sakyan nag-arrest na siya."

When they arrived at the hospital, Jho underwent CPR and only responded on the third try. "Pinaliwanag sakin maigi, Sir, wag ka mawalan ng pag-asa, hindi siya brain dead. Nag-restart yung brain niya kaya comatose stage siya ngayon," Andrew explained.

Jho was diagnosed to have brain hypoxia, after suffering from a severe asthma attack followed by cardiac arrest.

Hypoxia is a life-threatening condition where there are low levels of oxygen in the body tissues. It causes symptoms like confusion, restlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and bluish skin, according to Cleveland Clinic.

How to tell kids about illness of a family member

Andrew also mentioned in the Net 25 interview that their son and his wife were very close, and he had a hard time accepting what happened to his mom.

"Pinaka-nakawitness ng lahat ng nangyari yung bunso, siya gumising sakin, "Dad, Mommy can breathe." He also struggled to break the news about his wife's condition.

"Di ko na kaya eh. tsaka ayoko na silang torture-in, consistent ako doon sa mentality ko na alam kong magiging okay ito, pero may side akong paano? Paano nga kung sakali? Hindi ako mapapatawad ng mga bata."

Andrew said he is blessed to have his kids, who remain strong and faithful amid the circumstances. They always visit their mom in the hospital and even sleep there.

According to Harvard Health, here's how you can tell a child about a family member's illness:

1. Consider your child's readiness.

It is important to think about your child's development stage. Younger children may not understand much, and older children might need a more detailed explanation. You may also assure them that it is not their fault.

2. Be straightforward and truthful.

When talking to your kids, you don't have to give too much information that they cannot appreciate at a young age. It may be as simple as this, "Mommy is sick. She will be in the hospital for a while. The doctors are working to help her." If it's a serious illness, they should know. Let them ask questions too and listen to them.

3. It's okay to show your emotions too.

Your child will learn that feeling sad and worried is normal. In the long haul, they will pick up from you how you are coping too.

Andrea and Sander told Andrew, "Daddy, we know that you are very tired, we want you to take a break from time to time, we want you to rest and take care of your health so you can take care of mommy."

They added, "Thank you for taking such good care of us, always be strong."

Andrew, who remains unfazed and hopeful for his wife, posted a few days ago, "I’ll be your backbone, I will be your voice, and if needed, I will be your limbs and I will carry you until we reach the finish line."