In this deeply moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with amputee Eric Ford to talk about the life-altering car accident that changed everything. In 2009, Eric and his children were hit by a drunk driver in Atlanta. While his kids miraculously walked away with minor injuries, Eric suffered catastrophic damage to his leg, leading to over a dozen surgeries in an attempt to save it.
Ultimately, Eric made the brave decision to undergo amputation—a choice that ended his physical pain and opened the door to a new way of living. He opens up about the emotional toll of limb loss, learning to walk with a prosthetic, and finding strength through his children, therapy, and connecting with fellow amputees.
Mike and Eric also reflect on their shared roots in Montclair, New Jersey, and discuss the importance of community support for new amputees. Eric now uses his experience to help others facing similar challenges.
This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the face of trauma, there is always a path forward.
Topics Covered:
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Surviving a drunk driving accident
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Making the decision to amputate
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Life after limb loss
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Recovery and prosthetic use
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Mental health and adaptation
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Support networks for amputees
#EricFord #WereNotStumped #AmputeePodcast #MikeBolland #DrunkDrivingSurvivor #AmputeeSupport #MentalStrength #AdaptiveLife #RecoveryJourney #AmputeeAdvocate
Host Mike Bolland is also an entertaining public speaker. Contact him for your next event.
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Podcast host Mike Bolland is looking to connect with individuals willing to share their experiences with prosthetists and prosthetic care. If you’ve ever faced challenges with a prosthetist, received a prosthetic that didn’t meet your needs, or discovered a provider who went above and beyond, your story can make a difference. On his show, We’re Not Stumped, Mike engages in open, honest conversations about life with limb loss, prosthetics, and advocacy. His mission is to give a voice to the limb loss community, spotlight real experiences — both the good and the bad — and work toward improving the system for everyone. Mike invites you to be part of this important dialogue, knowing that your insights could help others navigate their own prosthetic journeys with greater confidence and support. 📩 Interested in being a guest? Visit: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-limb-loss-podcast-guest-guide/
In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Katie Thomas for a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Born without her right arm below the elbow, Katie began receiving care at Shriners Hospital in Tampa at age 3 and experimented with various prosthetics throughout her childhood. Over time, she discovered that prosthetics were a helpful tool—but not essential for her to live a full, capable life. Now a devoted parent, Katie opens up about raising her son, who has Witteveen Colk syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey through early intervention services, advocating for genetic testing, and ensuring her child receives the support he needs. Her advice to parents? Trust your instincts, push for answers, and never hesitate to speak up for your child.
Jeanette Jones returns to the We’re Not Stumped podcast with host Mike Bolland for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music. She shares a shocking and emotional story about the accessibility barriers she and her partner Frank encountered at a Def Leppard concert at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. From steep hills to discriminatory treatment by staff, their experience sheds light on how accessibility still falls short—even in 2025. But that’s just the beginning. Jeanette also opens up about her own journey—surviving childhood cancer, transitioning from prosthetics to a wheelchair, and the incredible resilience of her partner Frank after his life-changing accident. This episode is about more than one bad night—it’s a call to action for accessibility, empathy, and real change.
