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.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The sudden onset of her illness and ICU experience
- The psychological impact of PICS
- Her journey from patient back to practitioner
- Insights from her memoir, Speechless
- Her mission to educate others about the unseen challenges ICU survivors face
Vanessa’s resilience and dedication to helping others navigate similar challenges are truly inspiring. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a survivor, or someone interested in stories of human strength, this episode offers valuable insights.
🔗 Learn more about Vanessa’s work: Aneu Healing – https://aneuhealing.com/
📘 Check out her memoir: Speechless on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Speechless-Therapist-Ability-Struggle-Reclaim/dp/B0DS96R6XT
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Dr. Christopher Duncan, Chief Medical Officer at Biologic Input Output Systems (BIOS), joins We’re Not Stumped with host Mike Bolland for a deep dive into neurotechnology and the future of prosthetics. With a background in rehabilitation medicine, Christopher explains how BIOS is combining advanced materials, neurophysiology, and machine learning to create prosthetic technology that restores natural movement and touch—far beyond what he calls today’s “Civil War technology.” The discussion also explores data registries, privacy concerns, and partnerships with leading institutions to expand access.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Angela Calzone, President & CEO of Inroads to Opportunities, as the organization celebrates its 66th anniversary. With a bold goal to double the number of individuals served—from 400 to 800—over the next decade, Angela shares her passion for breaking down misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities and her mission to create lasting workforce inclusion. From her 35+ year career in the for-profit sector to leading one of the most impactful nonprofits in the disability community, Angela opens up about the challenges of funding, the critical need for employer partnerships, and the real business benefits of inclusive hiring. She also shares powerful success stories, the impact of Inroads’ vocational training programs, and why their largest-ever fundraiser was a milestone moment for the agency. Whether you’re an employer, advocate, or simply someone who believes in the value of diversity in the workplace, this episode will inspire you to see what’s possible when communities come together to create opportunities.
The Amputee Coalition is undergoing another major transition with the resignation of President & CEO Cass Isidro, who announced her last day will be August 22nd. In her farewell message, Isidro stated that her work had been about “restoring the Amputee Coalition to its original purpose with deeper community engagement.” That statement raises difficult questions: 👉 Why did the Coalition need to be “restored” in the first place? 👉 Has the organization lost focus on directly serving amputees? 👉 What does this leadership change mean for peer support, advocacy, and resources moving forward? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the resignation news, shares community concerns, and examines whether the Amputee Coalition is truly on track to support the limb loss and limb difference community—or if amputees should be worried about its direction. Listeners are invited to join the conversation as the podcast takes on tough questions about the Coalition’s mission, leadership, and future.
