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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In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Nicole Cuervo, the founder and CEO of Springrose, a groundbreaking company redefining adaptive intimates for women with disabilities, limited mobility, and chronic pain. Nicole’s passion for inclusivity and empowerment stems from her own personal experiences. Inspired by her grandmother Rose, who lived with arthritis and chronic pain, Nicole realized the lack of functional yet fashionable clothing options for women facing similar challenges. In 2020, she launched Springrose to fill that gap, blending innovation with empathy to create a line of intimates that prioritize comfort, style, and accessibility.
In this inspiring episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores three incredible stories of resilience, community, and inclusion: 🌟 A Marine veteran and double amputee shares how jiu-jitsu has transformed his life, bringing peace and purpose through the sport. 🎅 Discover how an amputee center's holiday program welcomed Santa to spread joy and foster community spirit. 💡 Learn about Diverse Ability Incorporated and their groundbreaking work in creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities. Join us for heartfelt discussions on overcoming challenges, celebrating diversity, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more uplifting stories!
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, 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.
