Grateful patient: Del Taylor

An accidental step on coral during his beach vacation in Jamaica left Del Taylor with a life-threatening infection and a future he never imagined — one without his legs.

“My options were very simple. Either amputate both of my legs or die,” says Del.

Harmful ocean bacteria entered Del’s skin after his misstep on coral caused small puncture wounds on the bottom of his feet. Unaware of the injury until the next day, Del continued his vacation despite the increasing pain and discomfort.

It wasn’t until his return home to Midland, Ont., in April 2025, two weeks after his vacation, that Del visited Georgian Bay General Hospital for medical care.

What seemed like a minor injury quickly became more severe. Del, who lives with diabetes, was at greater risk of developing a more serious infection as the condition can cause poor blood circulation and a weaker immune response.

After a week-long round of antibiotics offered no improvement, Del was diagnosed with sepsis — a condition that occurs when the body has an extreme reaction to an infection.

“Someone with diabetes often has impaired sensation,” explains Dr. Steven Dilkas, a physiatrist at UHN’s West Park Healthcare Centre who was eventually brought on to lead Del’s rehabilitative care team.

“Del may not have felt those injuries at the time and only realized afterwards that there were wounds on his feet. His infections were quite severe, going all the way down to the bone in his feet and, also, spreading to his blood.”

That’s when doctors gave Del the life-changing news and presented the choice to amputate both of his legs.

“I looked at my wife and my mother-in-law and said, ‘I ain’t dying. We’ll get rid of these things,'” says Del.

Del’s healing shift at West Park Healthcare Centre

Three weeks after his surgery, Del was transferred to West Park. There, he had one goal in mind: “The one thing that I want is to walk out of this place,” says Del.

A team of specialists would help him reach his goal — one step at a time.

“What’s important is to understand what the patient is looking for, what’s important for them, and what their goals are. Then it’s tailoring their rehab so that you can meet those goals,” says Stefania Lehkyj, a physiotherapist on the inpatient amputee rehab unit at West Park.

As Del progressed through his rehabilitative care, his optimistic attitude left a lasting impression. “Del is a very positive person and it kind of just radiates from him,” says Stefania.

Once he regained his strength, it was time for Del to be fitted with prosthetic legs. That’s when Lauren Pedersen, a certified prosthetist at West Park, stepped in. Lauren worked closely with Del’s care team to design his prosthetic legs before building them.

Then, on July 3, 2025, less than two months after his amputation surgery, Del stood up and walked with his prosthetic legs for the first time.

“The very first time putting on my prosthetics there was some trepidation, nervousness and internal questions. What if I fall? Will I be able to do this? Those doubts were fleeting and, of course, there was complete joy as I took more and more steps,” says Del.

“I knew then and there, I will walk and, with hard work, I will eventually run again.”

Witnessing the moment he took his first steps was emotional for Del’s wife, Karin Taylor.

“You could hear me gasping for breath because I’m just crying, his best friend’s crying, my mom’s crying, and Del is crying. I didn’t think there were miracles. That to me was an absolute miracle,” says Karin.

Watch the moment Del Taylor took his first steps with his new legs. (Video: UHN)

Del walked out of West Park on July 30, 2025, just six weeks after being admitted.

The achievement was not a surprise to Del’s care team, who also believe he’ll achieve his next goal of running in a marathon again.

“Del was fast. He was a natural walker right out of the gate and could pretty much just stand up and dance. We actually had to slow him down a little bit, which is great,” says Lauren.

The integrated care at West Park helped make Del’s recovery possible. By working together every step of the way, the team’s constant collaboration and communication ensure what’s best for the patient remains top of mind.

For that type of care, Del and his family are thankful.

“I lost both of my legs, but gained a whole new perspective, ability and an appreciation for everything,” says Del.

“I’m grateful to UHN because they gave me a great gift — the greatest gift — to be able to walk.”