In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Katie Thomas for a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Born without her right arm below the elbow, Katie began receiving care at Shriners Hospital in Tampa at age 3 and experimented with various prosthetics throughout her childhood. Over time, she discovered that prosthetics were a helpful tool—but not essential for her to live a full, capable life.
Now a devoted parent, Katie opens up about raising her son, who has Witteveen Colk syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey through early intervention services, advocating for genetic testing, and ensuring her child receives the support he needs. Her advice to parents? Trust your instincts, push for answers, and never hesitate to speak up for your child.
Katie and Mike also trade stories about life with one hand, from adapting daily tasks to navigating public perceptions and occasional misconceptions. Their conversation touches on sports, school, prosthetic “show-and-tell,” and their shared mission to be seen as capable—not simply inspirational for living their lives.
This episode is a mix of candid storytelling, practical insight, and lighthearted connection that will leave you informed and inspired.
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What do the new leadership changes at the Amputee Coalition mean for the limb loss community? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland breaks down the latest updates, including the appointment of Dr. Carmen Elliott as President & CEO and the addition of new Board Members: Teri Kuffel Nicole Grehn, MSN, NP Dr. Cassandra Quave With backgrounds in healthcare, policy, research, and lived experience, this new leadership team brings a wide range of perspectives that could shape the future of care, advocacy, and support for people living with limb loss and limb difference.
What is dating really like after limb loss? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Neomi Flores to talk about relationships, confidence, and the realities of dating as an amputee. Neomi shares her deeply personal journey after losing her leg in 2022—including the emotional recovery, navigating self-confidence, and the challenges of putting herself back out there in the dating world.
What does real support look like in the limb loss community? In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the missions behind Joe & Marie’s Helping Hands and Enable Review—a platform where amputees share real experiences about prosthetists and clinics to help others make more informed decisions. Plus, Joe & Marie’s Helping Hands is currently seeking board members (Treasurer, Secretary, and Social Media Manager). If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, this could be your opportunity. Learn more about Joe & Marie’s Helping Hands: https://joeandmariehelpinghands.org/joe-and-maries-helping-hands-mission/ Explore Enable Review: https://enablereview.com/our-mission/
