In Jan. 2007, a workday just like any other turned life changing when David Jenkins had an on-the-job accident that resulted in the amputation of his right leg and a severe injury to his left. Doctors at Presbyterian St. Luke's in Denver devised a treatment to use allograft bone (donated from a deceased donor), as well as muscle and skin from his right thigh, to save his left leg. The procedure was successful, and David has since returned to his job and enjoys fishing, hiking, golfing and coaching his son's baseball team. David knows that the gracious act of his donor made it possible for him to thrive.

David's Story

In Jan. 2007, a workday just like any other turned life changing when David Jenkins had an on-the-job accident.

"We were pumping under high pressure and a four foot piece of iron broke free, and took my legs out. I was hit below the knee on both legs," said David.

The accident was sudden and very severe. David's right leg was almost completely severed. Although his left leg suffered major damage, he was still able to feel his toes, which shed a glimmer of hope on an extraordinary situation.

"The unthinkable happened. I didn't know if anything would ever be the same," said David.

David was transported via helicopter to the local hospital where they had to amputate his right leg while he fluttered in and out of consciousness. During the ordeal David never lost hope and confided in his wife that he believed his left leg could be saved, a statement everyone took refuge in believing.

"My loving wife, who also had to take care of our four-week-old baby at the time, insisted that I be transferred to Denver to try and save my left leg," said David.

David was moved to Presbyterian St. Luke's in Denver, where doctors that specialize in limb-salvaging treatments could treat him. While in transit to St. Luke's, the doctors devised a plan: to use allograft bone (donated from a deceased donor) to save David's left leg. In addition to the donor bone, doctors utilized muscle and skin from his right thigh to treat the left leg. The procedure successfully rescued David's leg and he was ready to begin the long journey to recovery.

But the road was daunting: he faced the challenge of learning how to walk all over again, with a prosthetic on his right leg, and limited motion in his left.

"If it wasn't for my family's continuous support and having my wife and son by my side I don't know if my recovery would have happened so fast," he said.

David exceeded expectations and was able to return to work almost a year to the date after the accident happened, marking an amazing recovery. David knows that the gracious act of his donor, which led to the retention of his left leg, is what made it possible.

Since the accident David has been able to resume normal life and enjoys fishing, hiking, golfing (with an improved swing) and coaching his son's baseball team. David's family has grown with the addition of another baby, and he proudly reports that keeping up with two children is never an issue.

"I look at it like, life is only what you make it, and I am not going to let having only one leg hold me back," said David.