Double Amputee Marine Finds Peace in Jiu-Jitsu | Inclusive Holiday Cheer | Diverse Ability Spotlight

In this inspiring episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores three incredible stories of resilience, community, and inclusion:

🌟 A Marine veteran and double amputee shares how jiu-jitsu has transformed his life, bringing peace and purpose through the sport.
🎅 Discover how an amputee center’s holiday program welcomed Santa to spread joy and foster community spirit.
đź’ˇ Learn about Diverse Ability Incorporated and their groundbreaking work in creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities.

Join us for heartfelt discussions on overcoming challenges, celebrating diversity, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more uplifting stories!

Story 1: https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/marine-vet-double-amputee-finds-peace-in-jiu-jitsu

Story 2: https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/community-news/2024/12/amputee-center-welcomes-santa-to-holiday-program/

Diverse Ability Incorporated: https://diverseabilityincorporated.org/

#InclusionMatters #JiuJitsu #AmputeeStories #DiverseAbility #HolidayInspiration

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Carter Henning Dallas Amputee Network

May 8th, 2025|

In this episode, host Mike Bolland shares the inspiring story of Carter Henning, a high school freshman from Calamus-Wheatland in Iowa who returned to lead his varsity golf team just two months after losing his leg in a snowmobile accident. Carter’s determination and passion for the game showcase what’s possible with resilience and heart. Mike also highlights the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN), a nonprofit offering vital support and peer mentorship to amputees and their families across North Texas. Founded by Ellen Winchell in 2002, DAN empowers individuals through monthly meetings, the Certified Peer Visitor program, and a strong community of encouragement.

  • Vanessa Abraham's Journey

May 6th, 2025|

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity.​ Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.​

  • 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. 

By |2025-01-16T11:13:35-07:00January 9th, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on Double Amputee Marine Finds Peace in Jiu-Jitsu | Inclusive Holiday Cheer | Diverse Ability Spotlight

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top