Denise Dibrell, a 52-year-old woman, underwent a double leg amputation following a severe cough she developed while attending her cousin’s wedding in Tennessee back in July 2025. The cough persisted even after she returned home to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she tested positive for influenza A.
Subsequently, Denise was rushed to St Rose Dominican Hospital in an induced coma due to respiratory distress and sepsis complications. The medical team administered vasopressor medication to address her condition, leading to a lack of blood flow to her extremities. Over the course of 30 days in a coma, her feet deteriorated and turned black, necessitating amputation below the knee on September 15, 2025.
After spending six weeks in the hospital, Denise began her recovery journey with prosthetic legs, focusing on relearning how to walk. Despite facing challenges with physical therapy and financial constraints due to unemployment and lack of insurance, Denise remains resilient and grateful for her survival.
Denise’s ordeal also included battling infections, blood clots, and hair loss post-surgery, but she remains optimistic about her mental and physical recovery. She sees her amputations as a sacrifice for her life and is determined to make the most of her second chance by embracing the challenges ahead.
