June is Wound Healing Awareness Month (WHAM), a time to recognize the challenges experienced by individuals with chronic wounds and raise public awareness about the benefits of specialized wound care. Throughout the month, we'll share stories of healing.

Did you know that every 20 seconds someone in the world has a diabetes-related amputation? Jose Monroy almost became part of that statistic after a stubborn cut on his foot suddenly turned into a life-threatening infection. A construction worker for many years, he was used to dealing with scrapes and bruises, but this particular wound was not healing. At the insistence of his family, he visited the local emergency room and was shocked to discover that not only did he have diabetes, but his foot was at risk of amputation due to severe sepsis.

It is estimated that 25 percent of all patients with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer in their lifetimes, and nearly one in five will require an amputation. The mortality rate patients who have amputations due to diabetic foot ulcers is approximately 68 percent. This is why it's imperative for diabetic patients to seek care as soon as possible when they notice a wound that is not healing, particularly on the feet or lower limbs.

Here's how Jose beat the odds and got back to enjoying his life.