10% Chance of Survival: Vincent Van de Broeck’s TBI & Coma Recovery

Vincent Van de Broeck was given just a 10% chance of survival after a devastating e-scooter accident left him with a severe traumatic brain injury. After spending three weeks in a coma, surviving was only the beginning.

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Vincent about his extraordinary recovery—relearning how to walk, talk, eat, and handle everyday tasks most of us take for granted.

Vincent shares what it was really like to gradually wake from a coma, the difficult prognosis his family faced, and the extensive damage to his skull that eventually required a custom 3D-printed implant.

He also discusses the people who refused to give up on him, particularly his wife and family, who lived through weeks of uncertainty while Vincent was unconscious.

Through his recovery, Vincent came to see resilience not simply as something you’re born with, but as something you can develop and strengthen. That experience also helped shape the ideas behind his book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done  (https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Feels-Impossible-Until-Done/dp/1911774360) .

In this episode:

• Surviving a severe traumatic brain injury
• Being given a 10% chance of survival
• What waking from a three-week coma was really like
• Relearning how to walk, talk, eat, and live independently
• Reconstructing his skull with a 3D-printed implant
• The impact on Vincent’s wife and family
• Why hope mattered when the prognosis was bleak
• Developing resilience through adversity
• The role of mindset and consistent action
• The story behind Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done

Vincent’s story is a powerful reminder that something feeling impossible doesn’t mean it will stay that way.

Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for conversations about disability, resilience, recovery, self-advocacy, and people facing extraordinary challenges.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Stephanie W Cawthon Disability Is Human Interview

April 8th, 2025|

In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Dr. Stephanie Cawthon, a disabled author, speaker, and researcher, to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Disability as Human. As a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and the founder of the National Disability Center for Student Success, Stephanie wears many professional "hats" in her mission to advance accessibility and disability inclusion. Beyond individual experiences, Stephanie and Mike explore the importance of systems-level work in accessibility. Stephanie highlights the need for proactive and sustainable solutions that bring disabled students into the heart of decision-making. She also delves into the challenges and rewards of driving meaningful, large-scale change. Join us for an insightful discussion that redefines how we view disability and inclusion in education and beyond!

  • Still Standing: An Amputee's Story of Hope:

April 1st, 2025|

Ana L. Reyes’ story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and service. In 2017, Ana was diagnosed with cancer, and three years later, she became an amputee. But her faith never wavered. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ana has dedicated her life to her family, community, and ministry. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she has also spent 20 years shaping young minds as a teacher. Alongside her husband, Rev. Marc Reyes, she has led Good Shepherd Ministries Church in West Haven, CT, for nearly two decades. Now an ordained minister, she continues to travel on missionary trips, serve her community, and inspire others through her book, Still Standing: An Amputee’s Story of Hope—a powerful testament to overcoming adversity through faith. Join us as Ana shares her incredible story of perseverance, proving that even in life’s greatest challenges, hope and faith can keep us standing.

  • In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland highlights two powerful stories of perseverance, athleticism, and community support. First, we dive into the journey of a local teen who is redefining the game of softball. After undergoing a double amputation, she hasn’t just adapted—she’s excelling, competing at a high level, and proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Her story is an inspiration to athletes and amputees alike, showing that the love of the game knows no limits. Next, we spotlight A Leg Forever, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting amputees and their families. A Leg Forever Charitable Foundation was established by Elizabeth (Liz) Norden in honor of her two sons JP and Paul Norden who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. The foundation's mission is to pay it forward and assist other amputees in their time of need just as JP and Paul were helped with overwhelming support following the marathon bombings. Their work ensures that individuals facing limb loss have the support they need to navigate their journeys with confidence. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that celebrates the strength of the human spirit, the importance of representation in sports, and the life-changing impact of organizations like A Leg Forever. Whether you’re an athlete, an amputee, or someone who loves a great comeback story, this episode is for you! A Leg Forever: https://www.alegforever.com/ Amputee Softball Star: https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52615126/local-teen-with-double-amputation-turns-heads-in-competitive-softball-world

March 27th, 2025|

In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we dive into the journey of a local teen who is redefining the game of softball. After undergoing a double amputation, she hasn’t just adapted—she’s excelling, competing at a high level, and proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Next, we spotlight A Leg Forever, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting amputees and their families. A Leg Forever Charitable Foundation was established by Elizabeth (Liz) Norden in honor of her two sons JP and Paul Norden who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013.

By |September 1st, 2026|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on 10% Chance of Survival: Vincent Van de Broeck’s TBI & Coma Recovery

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top