Limb Loss From Accidents Podcast
Amputee Coalition CEO Pay Doubles from 2019 to 2022
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland examines leadership at the Amputee Coalition. Between 2019 and 2022, CEO compensation jumped 107%. Cass Isidro led the organization from February 2023 until August 22, 2025. While reliable sources say she did a good job, Mike discusses why long-term leadership is vital for the limb loss community—highlighting the value of someone deeply committed to the cause rather than viewing the role as a career step. He also shares why he personally would not seek recommendation letters for the Certified Peer Visitor program.
Amputee Coalition Shake-Up: What Does the CEO’s Resignation Mean?
The Amputee Coalition is undergoing another major transition with the resignation of President & CEO Cass Isidro, who announced her last day will be August 22nd. In her farewell message, Isidro stated that her work had been about “restoring the Amputee Coalition to its original purpose with deeper community engagement.” That statement raises difficult questions: 👉 Why did the Coalition need to be “restored” in the first place? 👉 Has the organization lost focus on directly serving amputees? 👉 What does this leadership change mean for peer support, advocacy, and resources moving forward? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the resignation news, shares community concerns, and examines whether the Amputee Coalition is truly on track to support the limb loss and limb difference community—or if amputees should be worried about its direction. Listeners are invited to join the conversation as the podcast takes on tough questions about the Coalition’s mission, leadership, and future.
Had a Bad Prosthetic or Prosthetist Experience? Let’s Talk
Podcast host Mike Bolland is looking to connect with individuals willing to share their experiences with prosthetists and prosthetic care. If you’ve ever faced challenges with a prosthetist, received a prosthetic that didn’t meet your needs, or discovered a provider who went above and beyond, your story can make a difference. On his show, We’re Not Stumped, Mike engages in open, honest conversations about life with limb loss, prosthetics, and advocacy. His mission is to give a voice to the limb loss community, spotlight real experiences — both the good and the bad — and work toward improving the system for everyone. Mike invites you to be part of this important dialogue, knowing that your insights could help others navigate their own prosthetic journeys with greater confidence and support. 📩 Interested in being a guest? Visit: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-limb-loss-podcast-guest-guide/
Latonyia Billops: Faith, Advocacy & Life as a Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee
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.
From Tragedy to Triumph: Gini Thomas’s Journey with Osseointegration and Empowerment
In this moving episode of We’re Not Stumped, Gini Thomas shares her incredible story of resilience after a tragic motorcycle accident took her husband’s life and left her facing devastating injuries. After three years of limb salvage attempts, Gini made the courageous decision to undergo an above-knee amputation in 2015. She opens up about her life-changing transition from traditional socket prosthetics to the Integrum OPRA Implant System using Osseointegration, a bone-anchored prosthetic that has allowed her to walk unassisted and reclaim her independence. Gini discusses the challenges of phantom pain, the power of advocacy, and how she uses social media to inspire and empower fellow amputees.
Amputee’s Inspiring Recovery After Tragic Car Accident
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Eric Ford to talk about the car accident that changed the course of his life. In 2009, while driving through Atlanta with his children, Eric was struck by a drunk driver. Though his children escaped with only minor injuries, Eric was left with life-threatening damage to his leg. Over the next two months, Eric endured 12–13 surgeries, including skin and muscle grafts, in an attempt to save the leg. When the wound continued to reopen and the pain became unbearable, he made the courageous decision to undergo an amputation. Eric shares the emotional and physical challenges of that decision, and how it ultimately gave him a new lease on life.
About Limb Loss From Accidents
Limb loss from accidents can occur as a result of various types of traumatic incidents, including but not limited to:
- Traffic Accidents: Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents can lead to limb loss, especially if the limbs are severely injured or crushed during the collision. High-speed crashes and accidents involving heavy vehicles can result in more extensive injuries.
- Industrial Accidents: Workplace accidents in industrial settings, construction sites, factories, and other labor-intensive environments can lead to limb loss. Machinery accidents, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous conditions can cause severe injuries that require amputation.
- Sporting and Recreational Accidents: Some sports and recreational activities, especially those involving high impact or extreme physical exertion, can result in limb injuries that may necessitate amputation. Examples include skiing accidents, extreme sports injuries, and accidents during contact sports.
- Falls: Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces can lead to limb injuries, particularly if the individual lands on an outstretched limb or sustains multiple fractures that cannot be adequately repaired.
- Firearms and Explosions: Gunshot wounds, explosions, and fireworks accidents can cause severe injuries, including limb trauma, which may require amputation or partial limb removal.
- Electrical Injuries: Electrical accidents can cause severe damage to limbs, including burns and tissue damage, which may necessitate amputation in some cases.
- Natural Disasters: In rare cases, natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, or severe storms can result in traumatic limb injuries due to debris or structural collapses.
Limb loss resulting from accidents is a life-altering event that can have significant physical, emotional, and psychological impacts on the affected individuals. The rehabilitation and recovery process for accident-related limb loss typically involves the following steps:
- Immediate Medical Care: After the accident, immediate medical attention is crucial to assess the extent of the injuries, control bleeding, and stabilize the individual’s condition.
- Surgical Intervention: Depending on the severity of the limb injury, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair or stabilize the limb. In cases of extensive damage or when there is a risk of infection, amputation may be considered.
- Prosthetic Evaluation: For those who undergo amputation, prosthetic evaluation and fitting become essential. Prosthetists work with patients to design and fit prosthetic limbs tailored to their specific needs and goals.
- Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy: Physical therapy and rehabilitation play a vital role in helping individuals adapt to their prosthetic limbs, regain strength and mobility, and learn to perform daily activities.
- Psychological and Emotional Support: Coping with limb loss can be emotionally challenging. Psychologists, support groups, and counseling services are often available to help individuals and their families manage the emotional aspects of limb loss.
- Adaptive Skills Training: Patients may receive training in adaptive techniques and tools to help them overcome the challenges associated with limb loss, such as learning to use assistive devices and adapt to changes in daily routines.
Limb loss from accidents is a life-altering event that requires a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation and support to help affected individuals regain independence and improve their overall quality of life.