Amputee’s Inspiring Recovery After Tragic Car Accident

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:

  • Surviving a drunk driving accident

  • Making the decision to amputate

  • Life after limb loss

  • Recovery and prosthetic use

  • Mental health and adaptation

  • 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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Vincent Van de Broeck’s TBI & Coma Recovery

September 1st, 2026|

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 

  • Hanger Foundation’s Night to Inspire 2026

August 26th, 2026|

What happens when the limb loss community, prosthetics professionals, nonprofits, and supporters come together for a weekend built around giving back? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland talks with Rob Pittman of Hanger, Chairman of the Hanger Foundation’s Night to Inspire, about the upcoming 2026 Night to Inspire in Nashville, Tennessee. Now in its third year, Night to Inspire is expanding into a full weekend experience designed to raise funds, build awareness, and support organizations helping people with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility challenges.

  • Limb Salvage vs. Amputation

August 25th, 2026|

When should a limb be saved—and when might amputation provide a better quality of life? On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland talks with podiatric surgeon Dr. Danny Ghannoum about limb salvage, diabetic foot complications, Charcot neuroarthropathy, bone infections, and the difficult decisions that can lead to lower-limb amputation. Dr. Ghannoum explains how diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, foot ulcers, and osteomyelitis can put a limb at risk. He also shares complex patient cases that illustrate an important point: saving a limb isn't always the same as achieving the best outcome for the patient.

By |June 10th, 2025|Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition, Limb Loss From Accidents|Comments Off on Amputee’s Inspiring Recovery After Tragic Car Accident

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top