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
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Eric Ford to talk about the car accident that changed the course of his life. In 2009, while driving through Atlanta with his children, Eric was struck by a drunk driver. Though his children escaped with only minor injuries, Eric was left with life-threatening damage to his leg. Over the next two months, Eric endured 12–13 surgeries, including skin and muscle grafts, in an attempt to save the leg. When the wound continued to reopen and the pain became unbearable, he made the courageous decision to undergo an amputation. Eric shares the emotional and physical challenges of that decision, and how it ultimately gave him a new lease on life.
Stevia Walker joins host Mike Bolland to share her powerful story of resilience after a life-altering car accident that left her with a fused cervical spine and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand. After extensive research and consultations, Stevia made the courageous decision to undergo amputation of her hand—with the support of Dr. Stephen Niedermeyer. In this inspiring episode, Stevia reflects on rebuilding her life, from her former career as a hair stylist to her meaningful role today as a Girl Scout leader. She speaks candidly about living with phantom limb pain, her challenges with prosthetics, and how she empowers others by sharing her experiences. As a board member of the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN - https://dallasamputeenetwork.org/), Stevia highlights the nonprofit’s impactful work supporting amputees, caregivers, and families throughout North Texas. Founded in 2002, DAN provides education, peer mentorship, fitness opportunities, and social events like the upcoming Legapalooza fundraiser—all aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by limb loss.
What does it truly mean to be seen as fully human in a world that often overlooks disability? In this thought-provoking episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon—an acclaimed deaf author, speaker, and researcher—for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, accessibility, and belonging. With ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent joining, Dr. Cawthon shares the personal and cultural impact of her book Disability is Human, a work that has deeply influenced Mike’s own journey.
