brain and groom holding hands
Sean Cate
Sean Cate
March 27, 2024 ·  3 min read

Husband forgot who his pregnant wife was on their honeymoon due to an aggressive brain tumor

A honeymoon became a nightmare when Justin forgot who his pregnant wife, Emma, was due to an aggressive brain tumor.1 The incident marked the beginning of a devastating journey for Emma and Justin, which ultimately ended in tragedy less than a year later. Despite the immense sorrow, Emma is now determined to establish a support group for young widows, aiming to help others who have experienced a similar loss. This article sheds light on their extraordinary tale, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about tumors and funding research for better treatments.

Emma Cotillard and Justin Cotillard
Image Credit: Emma Cotillard | Facebook

A Stranger on Honeymoon

During their honeymoon, Emma and Justin’s joy turned to confusion and despair when Justin started displaying alarming symptoms. Memory loss and severe confusion were so debilitating that he failed to recognize his new wife. Emma recounted the distressing moment when Justin screamed at her, mistaking her for a stranger. Devastatingly, he couldn’t recall that Emma was seven months pregnant with their first child. This incident marked the beginning of an arduous journey for the couple.

Emma Cotillard and Justin Cotillard
Image Credit: Emma Cotillard | Facebook

Unveiling A Brain Tumor

Upon returning to the UK, Emma and Justin sought medical help, leading to an MRI scan that revealed the unimaginable truth. Justin, a fit amateur boxer and football enthusiast, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain tumor in adults. Although doctors estimated he had only weeks to live, Justin defied the odds, allowing him to spend precious time with his daughter, Mia. Born prematurely due to the stress of the diagnosis, Mia became a beacon of hope amid the darkness.

Emma Cotillard and Justin Cotillard
Image Credit: Emma Cotillard | Facebook

In retrospect, Emma recalled moments that hinted at Justin’s condition even before their wedding. Justin’s behavior had become erratic, characterized by aimless walks and slurred speech. However, attributing these signs to pre-wedding anxiety, neither Emma nor Justin’s loved ones suspected a brain tumor. Looking back at their wedding photos, Emma noticed the subtle drooping on the right side of Justin’s face, a telltale sign of the growing tumor. This realization left them grappling with the guilt of not recognizing the severity of his condition sooner.

Despite the grim prognosis, Justin underwent surgery, followed by rounds of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The treatment offered a glimmer of hope, giving Justin a chance at two more years of life. Unfortunately, within four months, a follow-up scan revealed the brain tumor’s relentless growth and rapid spread. The doctors delivered the devastating news to Emma: she had only two weeks left with her husband. Defying expectations, Justin fought for seven more months, reaching milestones such as his 30th birthday and Christmas. Eventually, surrounded by loved ones, he passed away, leaving behind a shattered family.

Justin Cotillard with newborn daughter
Image Credit: Emma Cotillard | Facebook

Raising Awareness for Brain Tumors

Emma, determined to turn her tragedy into something better, is on a mission to raise awareness about tumors.2 Recognizing that these tumors claim more lives than any other form of cancer among adults under 40 in the UK, she aims to create more funding for research. By sharing her and Justin’s story through The Brain Tumour Charity, Emma hopes to prevent others from dealing with similar heartbreak and to advocate for more effective treatments.

The harrowing journey of Emma and Justin serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of brain tumors.3 Emma’s courage in sharing her story not only honors Justin’s memory but also aims to raise awareness and support for those affected by this disease. By establishing a support group for young widows, Emma hopes to provide solace and guidance to others who have experienced the profound loss caused by these kinds of tumors. Through increased awareness and funding, we can strive for better treatments and a brighter future for those facing these horrible challenges.

Keep Reading: Liza Burke Died Holding Brothers After Suffering a Brain Hemorrhage During Spring Break

Sources

  1. ‘He thought I was a stranger’: Husband forgot who his pregnant wife was on their HONEYMOON due to an aggressive brain tumour which took his life just 11 months later.” Daily Mail. Siofra Brennan. March 29, 2017.
  2. Jersey widow tells story of her husband’s death from a brain tumour.” BBC. March 17, 2017.
  3. Husband who mistook pregnant wife for stranger on their honeymoon was actually battling deadly brain tumour.” Mirror. Patrick Lion. April 2017.