We're Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

From Septic Shock to Strength: The Inspiring Journey of Amputee Advocate Karlene Martinez

After a life-threatening illness led to multiple amputations, Karlene Martinez refused to give up. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Karlene about her incredible path from septic shock and paralysis to recovery, faith, and advocacy.

Karlene opens up about:
💪 Her battle with sepsis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and months of rehabilitation
🦿 Adjusting to life with prosthetics and finding the right fit
❤️ Overcoming anxiety and depression through faith and gratitude
🌟 Empower Fest, Ability360, and finding inspiration in the adaptive community
👣 The importance of peer support through groups like Encompass Health and community ambassadors

Karlene’s story is one of resilience, faith, and limitless determination—a reminder that even after life-changing loss, there’s always a way forward.

🔗 Connect with Karlene:
Facebook: Karlene Martinez
Instagram: @LimitlessKarlene

#Amputee #LimbLoss #Resilience #Faith #Motivation #Inspiration #AdaptiveLiving #WereNotStumped #AmputeeSupport #Prosthetics #NeverGiveUp #MentalHealth #Ability360

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

October 5th, 2022|

For the first We're Not Stumped podcast recorded in person, I had the pleasure of talking with amputees Dan Moses and Jennifer (JJ ) Johnson. It was an unexpected but very welcome surprise to include JJ, as I was [...]

Read More

October 4th, 2022|

Sepsis survivor Christine Caron is as energetic and passionate as she is knowledgeable. Nine years ago, Christine lost both her lower legs and her lower left arm and hand to sepsis. In this episode, Christine explains how a very [...]

Read More

September 19th, 2022|

In this episode of the we’re not stumped podcast, I’m extremely happy to have Jeff Soelberg as my guest. I first saw Jeff at the Amputee Coalition annual event in Desert Springs where he conducted a session that was [...]

Read More
By |October 21st, 2025|Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition, Quad Amputees|0 Comments

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

FacebookXRedditLinkedInWhatsAppTumblrPinterestVkEmail

Related Posts

Rose Booth Returns: From 14 Surgeries to “Rosie and Her Robot Leg”
Whitney Lavender: From CRPS to Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026
Redefining Life After Limb Loss with Travis Sanders | Barber, Author & Amputee
Melinda Preciado: From ER Professional to Disability Advocate After Limb Loss
Amputee Story After Cancer: Kim Ousley on Limb Loss, Recovery & Advocacy

Leave A Comment

Find Us On

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
Go to Top