In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope.
Belma recounts:
• Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War
• Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States
• Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet
• The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy
• Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community
Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
👉 Connect with Belma for support or speaking opportunities
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In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we highlight incredible stories of resilience, generosity, and community support. We begin with Jeanette Ingram, an Oklahoma amputee who lost her electric wheelchair in a fire but regained mobility thanks to the kindness of Stacy Reddig. Next, we share the heroic efforts of Ohio police officers who rescued a stranded double-amputee Army veteran facing freezing temperatures. Finally, we spotlight Turnstone, a nonprofit empowering people with disabilities through adaptive sports, therapy, and advocacy. These inspiring stories remind us of the profound impact of generosity, quick action, and organizations dedicated to inclusion.
A must listen! In this dynamic episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Jessica Cox, a pioneering pilot, martial artist, and motivational speaker born without arms. Jessica shares her journey of overcoming challenges, embracing independence, and inspiring others worldwide. She reflects on her childhood, the support of her parents, and her decision to forgo prosthetics in favor of using her feet. She recounts her fight to regain her driver’s license after unfair scrutiny, a moment that reinforced her resilience. Jessica also discusses earning her black belt in Taekwondo and becoming the world’s first armless pilot—turning fear into empowerment. Through her nonprofit, Right Footed Foundation International, Jessica mentors children without arms, encouraging them to chase their dreams. Looking ahead, she aims to build her own plane for greater independence. This episode is a testament to determination, self-belief, and living without limits. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!
Post-amputation pain can be debilitating, but a new treatment called hydrodissection is showing promise in providing relief. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we explore this groundbreaking therapy and its potential to improve the lives of amputees. Hydrodissection is a relatively new and promising treatment for post-amputation pain, particularly for neuroma-related pain and phantom limb pain. Here’s how it compares to other common pain treatments for amputees. Mike Bolland also shines a spotlight on Infinite Dance Flow, an inclusive dance company that is redefining what it means to move, featuring dancers of all abilities.
