In this episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” host Mike Bolland, who was born without a right hand, sits down with Jakob Kepka to discuss his remarkable journey. Jakob’s life took a drastic turn after a workplace injury in 1979, leading to years of treatments, including repeated Cortisone shots, and ultimately six knee replacements between 2001 and 2013. Listen in as Jakob shares his story of resilience, overcoming physical challenges, and how he’s turned his experiences into a mission of hope and inspiration called the “Hoperaising Expedition”.
The Hoperaising Expedition follows Jakob Kepka, a military veteran and amputee, and his dedicated crew as they traverse 900 kilometers from Krakow to Kyiv. Jakob’s journey is not only a personal challenge but also a mission to raise awareness about the struggles faced by war amputees in conflict zones like Ukraine. As he pedals through the war- torn terrain, Jakob becomes a beacon of hope for those who have suffered similar injuries, showcasing the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hoperaisingexpedition/
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In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon, (https://www.kalogon.com) to discuss how cutting-edge technology is improving mobility and independence for wheelchair users. Mike and Tim also explore the challenges of starting a company in the accessibility space, the importance of inclusive design, and how Kalogon is working alongside healthcare professionals and wheelchair users to bring life-changing innovations to the mobility community. Tune in for an insightful conversation about innovation, advocacy, and the future of assistive technology. Whether you're a wheelchair user, a caregiver, or simply interested in groundbreaking advancements in mobility, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we highlight incredible stories of resilience, generosity, and community support. We begin with Jeanette Ingram, an Oklahoma amputee who lost her electric wheelchair in a fire but regained mobility thanks to the kindness of Stacy Reddig. Next, we share the heroic efforts of Ohio police officers who rescued a stranded double-amputee Army veteran facing freezing temperatures. Finally, we spotlight Turnstone, a nonprofit empowering people with disabilities through adaptive sports, therapy, and advocacy. These inspiring stories remind us of the profound impact of generosity, quick action, and organizations dedicated to inclusion.
A must listen! In this dynamic episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Jessica Cox, a pioneering pilot, martial artist, and motivational speaker born without arms. Jessica shares her journey of overcoming challenges, embracing independence, and inspiring others worldwide. She reflects on her childhood, the support of her parents, and her decision to forgo prosthetics in favor of using her feet. She recounts her fight to regain her driver’s license after unfair scrutiny, a moment that reinforced her resilience. Jessica also discusses earning her black belt in Taekwondo and becoming the world’s first armless pilot—turning fear into empowerment. Through her nonprofit, Right Footed Foundation International, Jessica mentors children without arms, encouraging them to chase their dreams. Looking ahead, she aims to build her own plane for greater independence. This episode is a testament to determination, self-belief, and living without limits. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!
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