From Tragedy to Triumph: Double Amputee’s Olympic Dream & Mission Gait’s Impact

In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares two powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit:

🏅 A Double Amputee’s Olympic Journey
After surviving a devastating accident, this athlete didn’t give up—he set his sights on the Paralympic Games. Learn how he turned trauma into purpose, using adaptive training and relentless determination to pursue a spot on Team USA.

🦿 Mission Gait: Advancing Gait Rehabilitation Worldwide
Meet Mission Gait, a nonprofit transforming the way physical therapists treat patients with complex walking challenges. From educational programs to international outreach, Mission Gait is creating a global movement for mobility.

🎧 Whether you’re part of the limb loss community or just need a boost of hope, this episode shows what’s possible when we move forward with purpose.

Links:
https://www.fox8live.com/2025/05/16/double-amputee-turns-tragedy-into-olympic-aspirations/
https://missiongait.org/about/

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  • Mike Bolland Bowling After 30 years

June 4th, 2026|

After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my return to competition at the 2026 PBA60 World Championship. The body doesn’t work quite the same at 61. Some instincts and memories never really leave. And one unexpected encounter reminded me that people still remember my days on the PBA Tour. This episode isn’t about scores or equipment. It’s about rediscovering a part of my life I thought was behind me and finding out what’s still possible when you decide to take one more run. As the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, I hope this conversation encourages you to revisit a dream, try something again, or simply remember that it’s never too late to surprise yourself.

  • Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy Nimmer

June 2nd, 2026|

What happens when you begin losing your vision as a child—and refuse to let it define your future? In this inspiring episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Kathy Nimmer, recipient of the prestigious Helen Keller Achievement Award, author, speaker, and retired high school English teacher who spent nearly three decades educating and inspiring students while living with blindness. Kathy shares her remarkable journey of progressive vision loss caused by a rare retinal degenerative disease, the challenges she faced along the way, and the resilience that helped her build a life filled with purpose, achievement, and impact.

May 26th, 2026|

Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges. After a devastating fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Whitney faced years of severe pain, countless treatments, and ultimately bilateral leg amputations. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she rebuilt her life and discovered a new purpose through advocacy, storytelling, and empowering others. Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes reveal strengths we never knew we had.

By |June 12th, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on From Tragedy to Triumph: Double Amputee’s Olympic Dream & Mission Gait’s Impact

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