🎙️ We’re Not Stumped – Breaking Barriers: Inspiring Stories of Amputees Achieving the Impossible
Join congenital right hand amputee host Mike Bolland in this episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” where we dive into three incredible stories of amputees who have defied the odds and achieved remarkable feats. 🌟
In this episode, we explore:
1. The First Female Double Amputee to Earn a Colorado CDL: Discover the groundbreaking journey of the first woman to earn a Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License as a double amputee. Her story is a powerful testament to determination and resilience. https://www.koaa.com/colorado-culture/the-first-female-double-amputee-to-earn-a-colorado-class-a-commercial-drivers-license
2. 12-Year-Old’s Journey After 30 Surgeries: Discover the heartwarming tale of a 12-year-old boy welcomed home by his community after enduring over 30 surgeries and the amputation of his leg. https://www.khq.com/news/12-year-old-welcomed-home-by-community-following-over-30-surgeries-and-getting-his-leg/article_fbafe9c8-6802-11ef-a383-7be58327217a.html
3. Ride to Unite: A Race Champion’s New Journey: Learn about the transformation of a former race champion who, after becoming an amputee, found a new calling that continues to inspire others. https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/09/01/ride-unite-new-calling-former-race-champion-turned-amputee/
These stories are a powerful reminder that, with determination and support, we can overcome any obstacle. Whether you’re interested in stories of perseverance, community support, or redefining success, this episode is filled with inspiration and hope.
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Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility. Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life. Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clinician pushed her beyond her comfort zone—encouraging her to run just a week after she started walking. She also shares why community matters so much, from Camp No Limits to Hanger events and amputee boot camps that helped her build confidence and momentum.
What if surgery and virtual reality could dramatically reduce phantom limb pain? On this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Glenn Gaston, orthopedic hand and upper-extremity surgeon, to explore groundbreaking innovations in amputee care — including the Starfish Procedure and a virtual reality treatment for phantom limb pain. Dr. Gaston shares how a life-changing patient experience led him to build a dedicated amputee clinic and push beyond century-old methods of care He also shares his journey into amputee care, the inspiration behind his innovations, and why collaboration between surgeons, prosthetists, therapists, and mental health professionals is shaping the future of limb loss recovery.
Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility. Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life. Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clinician pushed her beyond her comfort zone—encouraging her to run just a week after she started walking. She also shares why community matters so much, from Camp No Limits to Hanger events and amputee boot camps that helped her build confidence and momentum.




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