Max Armstrong’s camping trip took a horrifying turn after a small burn on his thumb led to a life-threatening infection and the loss of both his legs. The 40-year-old was cooking pasta with friends in Kiowa, Colorado, when he accidentally touched a hot skillet. Thinking little of it, he cleaned and bandaged the burn, unaware that strep A bacteria had entered his system.
Days later, Armstrong’s legs began swelling, and his toenails turned purple. Concerned, a friend urged him to seek medical help. By the time he arrived at AdventHealth Parker hospital, the infection had progressed, and his thumb had turned black. While discussing his symptoms with doctors, he suddenly became incoherent, his eyes rolling back in his head. He was immediately transferred to another hospital and placed into a coma for six days.
Doctors informed Armstrong’s family that he might not survive. When he woke up on December 13, he was relieved to see his loved ones but soon realized something was wrong. His feet had turned completely black, and doctors told him that the sepsis had destroyed the tissue, making amputation unavoidable. Ten days later, both his legs were removed in a three-hour procedure.
Armstrong has since begun rehabilitation, learning to adjust to life in a wheelchair. Despite the trauma, he remains determined to regain his independence. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover his medical expenses, as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.
