MCKINNEY, Texas — Mark Cornetti and Nasheel Joules never in their wildest dreams thought their McKinney home would be selected as a finalist for a national lighting competition show. That was first announced several days ago. Since then, lines of cars have been wrapped around the neighborhood and, in some instances, miles to get a glimpse of holiday-decorated homes. The home is known in social media circles as the 'The Gift of Light.'
There is a much larger story behind the millions of lights and dozens of inflatables you'll find at the home on Palermo Way. Nasheel has been diagnosed with CAPS, or Cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndromes, which is an auto-inflammatory disease that can be triggered by the cold.
"We can't go out at Christmas time, so let's bring Christmas to us," said Mark Cornetti.
They started decorating the home in September. Neighbors have even helped with some of the decorations, for example, the lighted snowflakes on the roof. The disease affects Nasheel's heart, and she also suffers from congestive heart failure.
"We didn't know if I was going to be alive for this Christmas," cried Nasheel.
And that is the story behind the home that is drawing thousands of people every night. They are shedding light literally on a disease that almost took Nasheel this year.
"Our story is a love story. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have my wonderful wife," said Mark.
Mark and Nasheel have box for collections up front next to Santa's chair. Donations collected will go to the American Heart Association.
"To think they want to do that for people when they're going through their own battle," said one visitor.
The couple has relied on their faith and knows there's a lot to be thankful for. That has a lot to do with 'going big' this year on decorations. It had always been Nasheel's dream to make it on the national lighting show and become a finalist. They will find out next year if they win it.
"We're fulfilling our goal of passing on those blessings," said Nasheel.