Nationwide — Davon Vanterpool, a 34-year-old African American man from Denton County, Texas, left a dental visit with bleeding gums and an infection. Within weeks, sepsis set in, forcing doctors to amputate multiple limbs to save his life.
On December 29, Davon went for a routine dental checkup. His partner, Alicia Wilder, said the dentist noticed severe gum inflammation, and the exam caused heavy bleeding. “Everyone has bacteria in their mouth, but in Davon’s situation the bacteria entered into his mouth because there were multiple pathways created in his gums,” she told People.
After returning home, his condition declined rapidly. Within an hour, he was shaking uncontrollably, felt freezing, and started vomiting and having diarrhea. Wilder rushed him to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed sepsis. His heart eventually stopped, and he was placed on life support.
Doctors later discovered he had developed purpura fulminans, a rare condition causing rapid tissue death. His hands turned black and necrotic as blood flow stopped. Attempts to remove the dead tissue triggered another septic shock episode, worsening his condition.
On January 23, surgeons amputated his right leg, left leg below the knee, right hand, and left forearm to save his life. Wilder said the decision was made to stop the infection from spreading further.
“Despite everything Davon has endured, he remains strong in ways that amaze me. Even in critical condition, even while he cannot speak, he is present and he communicates. He participates in therapy, even when it is incredibly hard and even if he needs breaks. He fights through nausea, unstable vitals, and intense pain every day,” Wilder said.
Davon remains in recovery and continues to receive therapy while dealing with long-term care needs. His family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical costs, home modifications, and mobility needs. It has so far raised nearly $53,000.