In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I welcome John Werner.
Mr. Werner, who retired from Xerox after 41 years in the fall of 2018, faced an unexpected challenge shortly after his retirement. Just a couple of months into his retirement in January 2019, he began experiencing severe pain in his ankle, leading to the amputation of his right leg below the knee two months later. Despite this life-altering event, Werner remained determined to enjoy life as he had planned during retirement.
To cope with his new circumstances, Werner sought support from an online national amputee support group. Over the following months, he underwent the process of being fitted for and adjusting to using a prosthetic leg. Recognizing the significant impact of losing a limb, Werner wanted to ensure that others facing similar challenges knew they were not alone.
In his efforts to support the amputee community, Werner reached out to the Sunbury YMCA. The organization generously offered him a room free of charge for hosting meetings, providing a valuable space for amputees to come together, share experiences, and find support.
Werner expressed gratitude towards the Sunbury YMCA for their generosity and support during this challenging time. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained resilient and focused on embracing life to the fullest, albeit at a slightly slower pace.
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Shawn Johnson, founder and executive director of Enhancing Skills for Life, and Mike St. Onge, board chairman and quadruple amputee, to explore the organization’s inspiring mission and impact. Shawn, an occupational therapist with nearly three decades of prosthetic and rehabilitation experience, shares how Enhancing Skills for Life grew from its first workshop in 2002 into a global community serving people living without both arms or all four limbs. Mike reflects on his personal journey as a quadruple amputee, highlighting the strength of peer support and empowerment in rebuilding independence. Discover how this nonprofit is transforming lives through: ✅ Workshops and skill-building events ✅ Adaptive equipment resources like the “Hands-Free Catalog” ✅ Scholarships, mentorship, and international participation ✅ Exciting future collaborations and upcoming workshops Whether you’re part of the limb loss community or simply inspired by stories of resilience and hope, this conversation is packed with insight and heart.
In 2013, Armeda Batchler made the life-altering decision to amputate her left leg above the knee after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma—just months after becoming a new mother. Determined to push forward, she balanced recovery, parenting, and work with remarkable strength. Yet behind the resilience, Armeda faced hidden struggles: depression, isolation, and the difficulty of asking for help. Over time, she discovered the healing power of connection, rebuilding a local amputee support group and embracing advocacy to support others walking a similar path. In this heartfelt conversation, Armeda opens up about her cancer journey, the challenges of raising her daughter while adapting to limb loss, and how hope and community helped her transform struggle into purpose.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland examines leadership at the Amputee Coalition. Between 2019 and 2022, CEO compensation jumped 107%. Cass Isidro led the organization from February 2023 until August 22, 2025. While reliable sources say she did a good job, Mike discusses why long-term leadership is vital for the limb loss community—highlighting the value of someone deeply committed to the cause rather than viewing the role as a career step. He also shares why he personally would not seek recommendation letters for the Certified Peer Visitor program.
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