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 was just 5 years old. A friend, recently gifted a shotgun, invited Nick and his older brother over to play, despite their mother’s warning to stay home. While Nick’s mom was busy cleaning the house, he snuck out, unaware of the danger ahead. As his friend tried to load the 12-gauge, it accidentally discharged, hitting Nick’s leg.
He was rushed to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis and endured weeks of intensive treatment. Despite the doctors’ efforts to save his leg, including a complex procedure using a muscle from his back, the damage was too severe. Ultimately, his parents made the difficult decision to amputate his leg—a choice that turned out to be the best for his future. Nick reflects on how having a prosthetic leg has allowed him a greater degree of functionality than he would have had otherwise.
Now, as a key member of Ability360, a leading nonprofit based in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, Nick channels his experience and resilience into helping others. Ability360 offers a wide array of programs, including adaptive sports, independent living, and advocacy, aiming to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.
In this episode, Nick shares how Ability360’s athletics programs, from wheelchair basketball to adaptive climbing, provide not only physical fitness but also community and confidence for participants. He talks about the incredible athletes who redefine what’s possible and how his personal journey fuels his passion for inclusion and empowerment.
Join us for a conversation that transcends challenges and celebrates the strength of the human spirit. “We’re Not Stumped” brings you Nick Pryor’s story—a testament to overcoming adversity and the transformative power of adaptive sports.
Links:
Ability360: https://ability360.org/
Nick Pryor: https://www.nickpryor.org/
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #inspiration #belowkneeamputee #adaptivesports #limbdifference #disabilityawareness #nevergiveup #paralympics #limblossawareness #noexcuses #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #ampstrong
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
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.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
Leave A Comment