Gary lost the lower part of his left leg in 2018. Since that time, Gary has become a motivational speaker, author, American Ninja Warrior, entrepreneur, and a member of multiple USA Para teams. Even with all of that, he also did what many thought was impossible and went back to work as a firefighter.
His message of ‘Adapt and Overcome’ has become more than a mantra – it’s his inspiring message that has helped others. The children’s books he has written share a message of hope and acceptance, all with a message for young and old alike.
Gary continues to travel the country and share his message. We were very honored to have Gary on our podcast to discuss the many ways he contributes to the amputee community.
More on Gary:
Gary’s Website: https://garyweiland.com
Gary on America Ninja Warrior: https://youtu.be/RZBY14gwi5Y
Adapt & Overcome Apparel: https://gary-weiland.myshopify.com
Fischer’s Accident (All Books in Series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SBQZZQT?binding=paperback&qid=1651592102
#amputee #amputeestrong #amputeelife #positivethinking #noexcuses
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Access to the resources, support, and equipment needed after limb loss can change a person's life—but for many, those essentials remain out of reach. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland spotlights Amputee Aid and A Leg Forever, two organizations dedicated to helping people with limb loss reclaim independence, confidence, and hope. While each organization has its own unique mission, both are committed to removing barriers by providing financial assistance, equipment, peer support, and other critical resources that help individuals move forward after amputation. Mike discusses why a supportive community can make all the difference during recovery and beyond. Whether you're living with limb loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for stories of compassion, advocacy, and resilience, this episode highlights how generosity and community can create lasting change.
What does it really take to learn to walk again after an amputation? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes physical therapist John Lottes, DPT, Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy and an adjunct professor who specializes in prosthetic rehabilitation. John shares how an unexpected career path led him to working with individuals with limb loss and explains why the biggest hurdle in recovery often isn't physical—it's confidence. Together, Mike and John discuss the importance of celebrating small victories, building trust with your rehabilitation team, and developing the mindset needed to regain independence.
Sometimes, the biggest changes don't happen in a lab—they happen with a few carefully chosen words. In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I want to personally thank the LN-4 Hand Project (https://ln4handproject.org/) for updating its mission statement to better reflect the entire upper limb limb loss community. For many years, organizations have understandably focused on a specific group of individuals. But recognizing and including everyone living with upper limb loss and limb difference sends a powerful message: you belong, your story matters, and you are seen. As someone born without a right hand, this change means a great deal to me personally, and I believe it represents an important step toward greater inclusion across our community.
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