What helps someone build confidence after years of being treated differently? For burn survivor and amputee Kevon Martorell, basketball, self-advocacy, and community have all played a role.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Kevon joins host Mike Bolland to discuss growing up with visible differences, navigating life after amputation, and creating adaptive fitness resources for people with disabilities.
Growing Up as a Burn Survivor
Kevon survived severe burns covering 80% of his body as a toddler. Growing up, he faced bullying, medical complications, and barriers to participating in sports.
He shares how those experiences shaped his confidence and his willingness to speak up for himself. His story offers a personal perspective on the challenges of growing up with visible differences and finding places where you feel included.
Life After Amputation and Learning to Advocate for Yourself
Kevon later underwent a leg amputation, bringing new challenges to his recovery and everyday life. He discusses navigating limb loss and why advocating for your care matters.
Mike and Kevon explore how personal experiences can help people understand their needs, ask questions, and take a more active role in decisions affecting their lives.
Building Confidence Through Basketball
Basketball became an important part of Kevon’s story. He describes how participating in sports helped him develop confidence and find connection.
Their conversation explores what access to movement and adaptive sports can mean for people who have encountered barriers to participation.
Adapt and Triumph: Adaptive Fitness and Nutrition
Kevon’s experiences inspired him to create Adapt and Triumph, an adaptive fitness and nutrition app.
He discusses the motivation behind the app and the importance of developing resources that reflect different bodies and abilities. The conversation considers how fitness can become more welcoming when people’s individual needs are part of the planning.
Learn more at Adapt and Triumph.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
- Kevon’s experiences growing up as a burn survivor
- Navigating limb loss and life after a leg amputation
- Finding confidence and connection through basketball
- Speaking up and advocating for your care
- The inspiration behind Adapt and Triumph
- Building community for people with disabilities
Listen to Kevon Martorell on We’re Not Stumped
Hear Kevon’s conversation with Mike Bolland for an honest look at recovery, adaptive fitness, and the value of being understood.
What has helped you build confidence or find community? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Explore more disability stories, conversations about limb loss, and experiences with accessibility at We’re Not Stumped.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way. Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability. The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare.
What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Coach Cameron “Coach Cam” Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and went on to compete through Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence and skills he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and now toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
After losing control on an icy road in Calgary, Reid Robinson crashed into a tree and suffered devastating injuries to his lower leg. What followed were two and a half years of recovery, 13 surgeries, broken surgical hardware, bone infections, and a difficult decision between amputation and trying once more to save his leg. While recovering, Reid realized that none of the available mobility devices gave him the freedom he needed. So, despite having no welding experience, he taught himself by watching online videos and built his first leg brace from aluminum, crutches, and an IKEA cutting board. That garage-built prototype eventually became the X-Leg, a hands-free knee crutch designed to help people with lower-leg injuries stay active and independent during recovery.
