We're Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

Congenital Amputee Podcast

  • Jessica Cox: School, Driving, Prosthetics & Becoming a Pilot | We're Not Stumped Podcast

Unstoppable: Jessica Cox’s Journey as the World’s First Armless Pilot

February 25th, 2025|

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!

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About Congenital Amputees

A “congenital amputee” is an individual who is born with one or more limbs missing or underdeveloped. In congenital amputation, the absence of a limb occurs during the prenatal development of the fetus and is typically due to genetic factors or developmental issues in the womb.

Congenital amputations can affect any limb, including the arms and legs, and they can vary in severity. Common causes and factors contributing to congenital amputations include:

  1. Genetic Factors: Some congenital limb differences are linked to genetic mutations or conditions that affect limb development during early fetal development.
  2. Teratogens: Exposure to teratogenic substances or environmental factors during pregnancy can disrupt normal limb development, leading to congenital amputations.
  3. Vascular or Blood Flow Issues: Insufficient blood flow to the developing limbs during pregnancy can result in limb malformation or amputation.
  4. Amniotic Band Syndrome: In some cases, fibrous bands in the amniotic sac can entangle and constrict fetal limbs, causing limb differences.
  5. Congenital Disorders: Certain congenital disorders, such as ectrodactyly (also known as “lobster claw hand”), thalidomide syndrome, or Holt-Oram syndrome, can result in congenital limb differences.

Congenital amputees face unique challenges related to their limb differences, but they often learn to adapt and find ways to perform daily activities and pursue their goals. Depending on the severity and location of the limb difference, some individuals may benefit from assistive devices, prosthetic limbs, orthotic devices, or surgical interventions to improve their functionality and quality of life.

Supportive environments, education, and access to healthcare and rehabilitation services are essential for individuals with congenital amputations to thrive and fully participate in society. Advocacy groups and organizations dedicated to limb differences often provide valuable resources and support to individuals and their families.

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Mike Bolland PBA Bound!

What happens when you step back into something you once loved… years later? In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the story behind his bowling comeback — from becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour to stepping back onto the lanes with a renewed sense of purpose. But this story is about more than bowling. It’s about rediscovering confidence, overcoming fear, finding purpose again, and proving that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful. Whether you’re facing adversity, starting over, or trying to reconnect with something you once loved, this episode is a reminder that your story is still being written.

I Hate to Break It to Woody Harrelson… but I Was the Original Kingpin.

Before the movie Kingpin ever hit theaters, I was already bowling professionally with one hand as the first amputee to compete on the PBA Tour.

Now decades later, at 61 years old, I’m making a comeback. This video is a fun look at the similarities between my story and the iconic movie — except this one’s real.

From bowling with one hand… to stepping back onto the lanes for the PBA60 World Championship… this comeback is about proving it’s never too late to chase something meaningful again.

And yes… I’m still trying to avoid the gutter balls and my hook flying off!.

 

Copyright 2026 We’re not Stumped, One Hand Man Productions and Mike Bolland
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