Jacob Ruiz never imagined a routine work trip would become the fight of his life.
As an Idaho-based truck driver, Ruiz was traveling to make a delivery from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Beloit, Wisconsin, when he began feeling unwell.
What started as a sore spot on his right thigh quickly escalated into something far more serious.
“I knew something was wrong,” Ruiz said. “I had a fever, cold sweats, and the pain just kept getting worse - by the time I reached Rock County, it was obvious I needed medical help.”
After completing his route, Ruiz followed a recommendation to seek care at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Janesville.
By the time Ruiz arrived at the Emergency Department, he was in critical condition.
Emergency care staff quickly acted, admitting Ruiz for observation and starting antibiotics. While many skin and soft tissue infections respond to medication, doctors soon realized something more serious was happening.
“These infections can usually be treated with antibiotics, but sometimes surgery is necessary to find and stop the spread,” said Dr. James Drake, general surgeon.
On the fourth day of his hospitalization, Ruiz was rushed into emergency surgery. Dr. Drake discovered a severe MRSA infection spreading beneath Ruiz’s skin.
“This was a serious, rapidly progressing infection that resulted in a large and complicated wound,” Dr. Drake said.
The medical team knew they were racing against time.
“I tried to hide what was happening from my family at first,” Ruiz said. “I didn’t want them to worry…but the truth is, I was fighting for my life.”
In the weeks that followed, Ruiz underwent 12 additional surgical procedures. He required a wound vacuum to control the infection and remained hospitalized for more than a month.
After 34 days, his condition was finally stable enough to transition to the next phase of care. There was just one problem: Ruiz was still hundreds of miles from home.
Because of his open wound, flying wasn’t an option. Instead, his family coordinated a plan for his aunt to travel to Wisconsin and drive him home.
“We had to repack my wound every 10 hours to keep it clean,” Ruiz said.
The journey home took more than 30 hours and required stops at healthcare facilities in North Platte, Nebraska, and Rawlins, Wyoming.
“I was shocked by how helpful everyone was,” Ruiz said. “Both places had specialized wound care nurses who had just started working there. It felt like it was meant to be.”
Once back home, Ruiz continued treatment at a specialized wound and burn care facility. He underwent a skin graft and spent months in rehabilitation relearning basic activities.
“I couldn’t walk…I couldn’t bathe…I had to completely rely on other people,” he said.
Throughout his recovery, Ruiz leaned on his faith and focused on taking things one day at a time.
“I gave everything to the Lord and let Him guide me forward,” he said.
In late 2025, Ruiz was finally able to return to work.
Recently, he found himself driving through Wisconsin again. He scheduled a 34-hour break so he could return to visit the nursing teams at SSM Health in Janesville.
“It was humbling to come back and truly understand what they did for me,” he said. “Being in the building brought back so many memories.”
During his visit, Ruiz made it a priority to thank every person who had a role in his care.
“They truly cared—it was like the love a mother has for her child,” he said. “They made sure I had everything I needed, and without them, I absolutely wouldn’t be here.”
Ruiz says the entire experience has changed how he views life.
“It made me truly value each day,” he said. “I realize now that tomorrow is never promised.”
SSM Health emergency rooms are open 24/7. See the location nearest to you and explore other care options.
