In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Allison Sweet Grant, author of I Am The Cage, a powerful novel inspired by her own medical experiences.
Allison shares her journey of undergoing the Lizarov limb-lengthening procedure as a teenager and how those experiences shaped her writing. Like her protagonist Elisabeth, Allison grappled with feelings of isolation, a lack of agency, and the struggle to be heard in a confusing healthcare system. She opens up about translating her personal trauma into fiction, creating a character who faces her own battles with bodily autonomy and self-forgiveness.
The conversation delves into the significance of Elisabeth’s friendship with Kacey, the importance of exploring identity formation, and how I Am The Cage encourages readers to confront their challenges and find their voices. Allison also discusses the toll secrecy can take on mental health, the complexity of familial relationships, and the lessons she hopes young readers will take away from Elisabeth’s story.
This episode is a moving exploration of resilience, healing, and empowerment through storytelling. Whether you’re an advocate for bodily autonomy or someone seeking inspiration, this discussion will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
📘 Learn more about I Am The Cage by Allison Sweet Grant: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2198420/allison-sweet-grant/
🎧 Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more empowering stories: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-amputee-podcast-mailing-list/
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In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland covers three impactful stories from the community. First, we explore a fundraiser organized to assist a young amputee and their family. Next, Mike discusses a tragic incident at Grace Hospital, where an amputation error resulted in the removal of the wrong leg, sparking an investigation. Lastly, Mike highlights the work of AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization making gaming accessible for people with disabilities.
In this uplifting episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland shares remarkable stories of amputees who are making a difference. Starting with a West Virginia teen who became a beacon of strength and positivity for his family after amputation, showing how resilience can inspire loved ones. Next, a dive into the journey of a double amputee who’s pursuing his dream of playing baseball. Finally, a spotlight the Beautifully Made Community, a group empowering those with physical differences to embrace their unique beauty.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Susan Fumagalli, a true inspiration and advocate for amputees around the world. Susan opens up about her personal journey through limb loss and her experience with osseointegration—a groundbreaking technology that has changed her life and could reshape the future of prosthetics for countless individuals. Susan shares her story, from the physical and emotional challenges of losing limbs to the hope and transformation that osseointegration has brought to her life.
