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.
In this episode, Kathy discusses:
- Growing up with gradual vision loss and adapting to change
- Teaching high school English for nearly 30 years as a blind educator
- Overcoming depression, anorexia, and uncertainty about the future
- The role of advocacy, family support, and disability representation
- Pursuing mountain climbing, writing, public speaking, and teaching
- Employment challenges facing people who are blind or visually impaired
- Practical advice for families navigating vision loss and disability
Kathy also shares insights from her latest book, Two Plus Four Equals One, an anthology celebrating the unique bond between people with disabilities and their assistance dogs.
This powerful conversation is a reminder that while circumstances may change, purpose, passion, and perseverance can help us achieve far more than we ever imagined.
Learn more about Kathy at KathyNimmer.com.
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Ana L. Reyes’ story is one of unwavering faith, resilience, and service. In 2017, Ana was diagnosed with cancer, and three years later, she became an amputee. But her faith never wavered. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ana has dedicated her life to her family, community, and ministry. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she has also spent 20 years shaping young minds as a teacher. Alongside her husband, Rev. Marc Reyes, she has led Good Shepherd Ministries Church in West Haven, CT, for nearly two decades. Now an ordained minister, she continues to travel on missionary trips, serve her community, and inspire others through her book, Still Standing: An Amputee’s Story of Hope—a powerful testament to overcoming adversity through faith. Join us as Ana shares her incredible story of perseverance, proving that even in life’s greatest challenges, hope and faith can keep us standing.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we dive into the journey of a local teen who is redefining the game of softball. After undergoing a double amputation, she hasn’t just adapted—she’s excelling, competing at a high level, and proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Next, we spotlight A Leg Forever, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting amputees and their families. A Leg Forever Charitable Foundation was established by Elizabeth (Liz) Norden in honor of her two sons JP and Paul Norden who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Michael Allison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, best-selling author, and globally recognized leadership expert. As the CEO of The Adversity Academy, Michael has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations embrace resilience, accountability, and leadership. He shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in high-pressure combat zones, and his groundbreaking UN-Leadership and Break The Bottle – 3D methodologies. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on overcoming adversity, breaking limitations, and unlocking your full leadership potential.
