Lera Doederlein joins Mike Bolland on We’re Not Stumped to share a powerful story of choosing possibility.
Born with AMC (arthrogryposis multiplex congenita), Lera grew up in Phoenix using braces and forearm crutches while navigating school, friendships, and the quiet realization that sports might look different for her. As a teenager, she made the bold decision to pursue double above-knee amputations in order to gain independence and improve long-term mobility—and it transformed her life.
Lera walks us through the realities of recovery and physical therapy, learning to use prosthetics, and the moment a clinician pushed her beyond her comfort zone—encouraging her to run just a week after she started walking. She also shares why community matters so much, from Camp No Limits to Hanger events and amputee boot camps that helped her build confidence and momentum.
Then the conversation shifts to sports: how a chance introduction at a clinic led her to fall in love with sled hockey, earning a grant for her first custom sled, joining the U.S. Women’s National Sled Team in 2019, and ultimately competing in the 2022 Beijing Paralympics in Nordic skiing.
If you’re early in your limb-difference or limb-loss journey—or you just need a reminder to try the thing that scares you—this episode will leave you inspired.
Learn more about Camp No Limits: https://www.nolimitsfoundation.org/
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When Drew Ann Long, a stay-at-home mom from Birmingham, Alabama, discovered there were no shopping carts designed for her daughter Caroline — who has Rett syndrome and cannot walk or talk — she decided to create one herself. In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Drew Ann to discuss her journey from frustrated mom to inventor of Caroline’s Cart, an adaptive shopping cart now featured in over 15,000 stores across eight countries, including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Lowe’s. Drew Ann opens up about overcoming rejection, financial struggles, and even a hacked social media page — all while pursuing her mission to bring dignity and inclusion to families with disabilities.
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Josh Green, an above-knee amputee, patient advocate, and founder of the Northeast Ohio Amputee Support Group. Josh lost his leg at just 4 years old and has since turned his life experiences into a mission to uplift and educate others in the limb loss community. Josh opens up about growing up with a prosthetic, how his parents’ positive outlook helped him build confidence, and how sports played a major role in his development. Later in life, he faced new challenges but found strength by connecting with other amputees and realizing the power of community. From overcoming early challenges to empowering others through advocacy and education, Josh Green’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering positivity.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland — born without his right hand — shares a powerful message about why he feels dressing well matters for the limb loss and disability community. This isn’t about vanity — it’s about confidence, self-respect, and advocacy. Mike explains how personal style can change the way we feel about ourselves and the way others see us. From challenging stereotypes to promoting positive representation, dressing with pride is one way to say: “I belong here — just as I am.” 🎙️ In this episode, Mike discusses: Why appearance and self-expression are empowering after limb loss or disability How dressing well helps break stereotypes and reshape public perception The connection between confidence, mental health, and advocacy How showing up with pride inspires others in the community 👕 Dressing well isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing pride in who you are. Because when we show up confidently, we make it easier for others to do the same.
