Limb Loss From Accidents – We’re Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

Belma Islamovic: Double Amputee & War Survivor

Mike Bolland — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:32:53 +0000

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.

Be More Adaptive: Caitlin Conner’s Journey to Empowerment

Mike Bolland — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:23:05 +0000

In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Caitlin Conner, founder of Be More Adaptive, to explore how she’s building a global hub for disability resources designed to empower people with disabilities to live fulfilling, confident, and sustainable lives. Caitlin shares her powerful journey — from surviving a life-changing motorcycle accident while pregnant to becoming a Paralympic-level athlete, model, and outspoken disability advocate. She talks candidly about adapting to life as an amputee, the importance of self-advocacy, and how adaptive sports helped her rebuild her identity, purpose, and strength.

Latonyia Billops: Faith, Advocacy & Life as a Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee

Mike Bolland — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 17:36:17 +0000

In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs. Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss. Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Gini Thomas’s Journey with Osseointegration and Empowerment

Mike Bolland — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:38:51 +0000

In this moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, Gini Thomas shares her incredible story of resilience after a tragic motorcycle accident took her husband’s life and left her facing devastating injuries. After three years of limb salvage attempts, Gini made the courageous decision to undergo an above-knee amputation in 2015. She opens up about her life-changing transition from traditional socket prosthetics to the Integrum OPRA Implant System using Osseointegration, a bone-anchored prosthetic that has allowed her to walk unassisted and reclaim her independence. Gini discusses the challenges of phantom pain, the power of advocacy, and how she uses social media to inspire and empower fellow amputees.

Amputee’s Inspiring Recovery After Tragic Car Accident

Mike Bolland — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 13:45:28 +0000

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.

Adaptive Innovation: Steve Doudt & the VertaCat Golf Cart Revolution

Mike Bolland — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:49:20 +0000

Golf should be accessible to everyone, and VertaCat is making that a reality with the VertaCat Golf Cart! In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Steve Doudt to discuss how this revolutionary adaptive golf cart is changing the game for individuals with mobility challenges. Steve, a bilateral above-the-knee amputee due to a motorcycle accident in 1992, has an inspiring journey of resilience and determination. After serving in the USAF 1721st Combat Control Squadron, Special Operations Team, he transitioned into adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, even competing in the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games. In recent years, Steve has embraced golf, achieving significant success in adaptive tournaments. The VertaCat has been instrumental in his golfing journey, allowing him to stand and swing freely, enhancing his performance on the course.

From Tragedy to Purpose: Amputee Billy Parker on Promoting Workplace Safety

Mike Bolland — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:53:07 +0000

In this powerful episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland talks with Billy Parker, a former welder who lost both arms in a life-changing accident. Billy shares his incredible journey of resilience as an amputee, finding a new purpose, and his mission to promote workplace safety to prevent similar tragedies. Billy discusses his advocacy work, personal growth, and how he empowers…

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Behind the Scenes of Daruma with John Lawson, Abigail Hawk & Tobias Forrest

Mike Bolland — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:56:33 +0000

In this exciting episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland engages in an inspiring and insightful conversation with Daruma cast members John Lawson, Abigail Hawk, and Tobias Forrest. Daruma is a landmark film, being the first in American cinematic history to cast both lead actors with disabilities. The film stars Tobias Forrest (a C-level quadriplegic), John W. Lawson (a double…

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The Resilient Band: Power Through Music | We’re Not Stumped Podcast

Mike Bolland — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:55:15 +0000

In this special episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” host Mike Bolland sits down with the members of The Resilient, a band composed of talented musicians who have turned their personal challenges into powerful music. 🌟 Join us as we explore the journey of these incredible artists who, despite facing adversities, have created a unique and impactful sound that resonates with audiences nationwide.

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Championing Abilities with Nick Pryor of Ability360 – We’re Not Stumped

Mike Bolland — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:18:49 +0000

In this episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” host Mike Bolland engages in a heartfelt conversation with amputee Nick Pryor, the inspiring Athletics Program Manager at Ability360. Nick opens up about his journey from a small town in Dunkirk, Indiana, with a population of just 2,300, to becoming a pivotal figure in the world of adaptive sports. Nick’s story begins with a life-changing incident when he…

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