Don’t Just Exist, Live | Neomi Flores’ Powerful Amputee Journey

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Neomi Flores, who became an amputee at age 43 after a blood clot changed her life forever.

Neomi shares her powerful journey, including:

  • The frightening symptoms that led to her amputation
  • Facing fear and uncertainty before surgery
  • A year in a wheelchair and the challenges of recovery
  • Learning to walk again with prosthetics
  • Drawing strength from her faith, her children, and small victories
  • The meaning behind her tattoo: “Don’t just exist, live”

Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and determination—a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, it’s possible to find purpose and live fully.

🔔 Subscribe for more stories of resilience and hope.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Ride to End ALZ South Carolina

May 1st, 2025|

 In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, we spotlight adaptive athlete Tracy LaMarche as she takes on the Ride to End ALZ South Carolina—a three-day cycling journey across the state with deep personal meaning. After losing her leg, Tracy found freedom and strength through cycling. Now, she rides to honor her late mother-in-law, who battled dementia, and to support vital Alzheimer’s research. Riding alongside her husband Blair, Tracy embodies resilience and hope, pedaling toward a future where no family has to face this disease alone. 

  • Kelvin Crosby: Deafblindness, Innovation, and Choosing Joy

April 29th, 2025|

In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kelvin Crosby , a remarkable individual whose journey from hearing loss and blindness to becoming an inventor, artist, and advocate will leave you inspired. Diagnosed with hearing loss as a child, Kelvin later lost his vision due to Usher Syndrome Type 2. He opens up about the emotional toll this took on him, including thoughts of suicide, and the turning point when he chose to embrace his deafblindness instead of letting it define him. Kelvin shares how this decision sparked a new purpose in life—one rooted in helping others. His invention, the See Me Cane, is a game-changer for people with visual impairments. Designed to enhance safety and awareness, the cane features a light that gives users control over their environment while maintaining their ability to hear. Kelvin explains how this tool has not only improved his own life but also empowered others with confidence and mobility.

  • 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award

April 24th, 2025|

Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work of Dr. Eric Martin, Chief of Vascular Surgery at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, and recipient of the 2025 OSF Innovator of the Year award. Dr. Martin's regenerative reconstruction techniques are offering new hope to patients facing potential amputations due to severe infections, traumatic injuries, or chronic ulcers. Utilizing biological materials like fish skin and pig bladder, these innovative procedures aim to restore tissue and preserve limbs.

By |October 7th, 2025|Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition, Lower Limb Amputees|Comments Off on Don’t Just Exist, Live | Neomi Flores’ Powerful Amputee Journey

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top