In this powerful episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland talks with Billy Parker, a former welder who lost both arms in a life-changing accident. Billy shares his incredible journey of resilience as an amputee, finding a new purpose, and his mission to promote workplace safety to prevent similar tragedies.
Billy discusses his advocacy work, personal growth, and how he empowers others to prioritize safety in all aspects of life. His inspiring story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact.
đź’ˇ Key Topics Covered:
Billy’s accident and recovery journey
The importance of workplace safety
How Billy’s story inspires others to persevere
Contact Billy Parker: 1lendingahand@gmail.com
đź”” Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories of resilience and overcoming challenges!
#BillyParker #WorkplaceSafety #AmputeeStories #Inspiration #WereNotStumped
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What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Coach Cameron “Coach Cam” Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and went on to compete through Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence and skills he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and now toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
After losing control on an icy road in Calgary, Reid Robinson crashed into a tree and suffered devastating injuries to his lower leg. What followed were two and a half years of recovery, 13 surgeries, broken surgical hardware, bone infections, and a difficult decision between amputation and trying once more to save his leg. While recovering, Reid realized that none of the available mobility devices gave him the freedom he needed. So, despite having no welding experience, he taught himself by watching online videos and built his first leg brace from aluminum, crutches, and an IKEA cutting board. That garage-built prototype eventually became the X-Leg, a hands-free knee crutch designed to help people with lower-leg injuries stay active and independent during recovery.
Angie Sandow was born with one hand and Poland syndrome—but that hasn't stopped her from riding motorcycles, playing guitar, performing onstage, and finding plenty of reasons to laugh along the way. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland reconnects with Angie for a candid and often funny conversation about growing up with a limb difference, dealing with bullying and unwanted attention, and learning to turn difficult experiences into something positive. Angie shares how music became an important part of her life, including performing with bands and using a custom prosthetic guitar holder. She also talks about becoming a one-handed motorcycle rider and the modifications that allow her to ride, including moving the throttle to the left side.
