In this uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs.
Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss.
Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.
This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, joy and purpose are still possible.
Topics Covered:
- The accident that changed Latonyia’s life
- Surviving bilateral above-knee amputation
- Faith and mental resilience after trauma
- Challenges in prosthetic care and advocacy
- Adaptive tools that support daily living
- Confidence, fashion, and wheelchair pageants
- Why self-advocacy is key to independence
Tune in, be inspired, and discover how Latonyia Billops is not just surviving—but thriving.
More about our host: Mike Bolland Inspirational Speaker
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Ten years after cancer surgery, Mike Bolland found himself on the field at an Arizona Cardinals game, representing all cancers during the NFL’s Crucial Catch recognition. In this personal episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike reflects on the journey from surgery and radiation to pursuing two goals: performing stand-up comedy and bowling on tour one more time. Those decisions helped lead to motivational speaking, a return to competition on the PBA60 Tour, and his message, “Take the Shot Anyway.” Mike also honors the podcast guests who have shared their own cancer journeys, including those who experienced limb loss, and the people whose support helped him through treatment and recovery.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Neomi Flores joins host Mike Bolland for an in-person conversation about traveling and EmpowerFest. Neomi is missing her left leg below the knee and brings her own perspective to the conversation. Neomi and Mike discuss experiences on the road and the connections made through events like EmpowerFest. Recorded together in person, this episode explores the value of meeting people and sharing experiences within the disability community. Have you attended EmpowerFest? What’s your favorite travel experience? We’d love to hear from you.
Everyone has a story worth sharing—and at the 2027 Amputee Coalition National Conference, those stories will take center stage. It’s an honor for We're Not Stumped host Mike Bolland to serve as host and help create a welcoming space for the community’s voices. “Story Slam: Where Every Story Finds Its Light” brings the community together for an evening of laughter, connection, and five-minute stories. Twenty storytellers will be selected at random to share a moment from their lives. There’s no competition, no judging, and no expectation that a story must be inspirational or about limb loss or limb difference. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland introduces the event and shares what attendees can look forward to.
