Healing beyond expectations: How advanced wound care transformed one patient's life
In June 2024, Brion Jefferson faced a daunting challenge. A sore on the bottom of his toe — paired with poorly managed diabetes. He developed a nonhealing wound that resisted traditional treatments. The wound was deep, painful and at high risk for infection. Within six months, all of the toes on the foot had to be amputated.
“I knew that at this point, if I didn’t do something, I would lose my foot,” he said. The risk of infection and long-term complications loomed large and time was critical.
A new solution
That’s when he was referred to the wound care team at HCA HealthONE Rose and found a solution that would change everything. Brion was recommended for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). HBOT is a specialized treatment that delivers 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, dramatically increasing the body’s ability to heal by improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to damaged tissues.
Brion’s wound was severe. The tissue was necrotic, exposing underlying structures and traditional wound care had failed. The wound care team developed a comprehensive plan, combining meticulous wound debridement, advanced dressings and HBOT sessions.
“Every day, they assessed my wounds — two heads were better than one,” Brion said.
Commitment beyond medicine
At first, it seemed his foot was growing worse, and after two weeks of treatment, Brion began to consider a below-the-knee amputation.
“I left the hospital in tears one day because I felt that all hope was lost,” he said.
Brion spoke to one of his nurses about his decision, and she begged him to reconsider, to give HBOT more time and to trust that it would work. He agreed technology alone doesn’t heal; people do. Brion emphasized the compassion and dedication of his care team.
“Each staff member encouraged me to hang in there and I couldn’t be more thankful,” he said. “They expressed care and concern for both me and my wife, JaNiece, doing their best to make this process as comfortable as possible.”
The wound care team monitored progress daily, adjusted treatment protocols and provided emotional support. HBOT sessions were paired with strict infection control and nutritional guidance to optimize healing. The images from his journey show the stark reality: an open wound that gradually closed and regenerated healthy tissue over weeks of therapy.
The outcome
By January 2025, the transformation was complete. The wound had healed, mobility was restored and life regained its normal rhythm.
“I have completed all of my hyperbaric dives and discharged from wound care — my wounds are healed by the grace of God and the amazing care team,” he said.
What started as a fight against infection ended as a story of resilience and recovery — powered by innovation and human connection. JaNiece summed it up perfectly.
“Thanks to the hard work of the wound care team at HCA HealthONE Rose and HBOT, Brion was able to attend our daughter’s college graduation — walking on his own feet,” she said.
Wound care in Denver
Wounds can cause chronic pain and distress — but healing starts here. At HCA HealthONE, we provide comprehensive care for acute, chronic and nonhealing wounds. Together, our specialized doctors and surgeons work to effectively heal wounds and restore bodily function through both surgical and nonsurgical methods including hyperbaric medicine, limb preservation and burn care. Learn more about wound care at HCA HealthONE.