Stevia Walker joins host Mike Bolland to share her powerful story of resilience after a life-altering car accident that left her with a fused cervical spine and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand. After extensive research and consultations, Stevia made the courageous decision to undergo amputation—with the support of Dr. Stephen Niedermeyer.
In this inspiring episode, Stevia reflects on rebuilding her life, from her former career as a hair stylist to her meaningful role today as a Girl Scout leader. She speaks candidly about living with phantom limb pain, her challenges with prosthetics, and how she empowers others by sharing her experiences.
As a board member of the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN – https://dallasamputeenetwork.org/), Stevia highlights the nonprofit’s impactful work supporting amputees, caregivers, and families throughout North Texas. Founded in 2002, DAN provides education, peer mentorship, fitness opportunities, and social events like the upcoming Legapalooza fundraiser—all aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by limb loss.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about overcoming adversity, redefining identity, and the power of community in the amputee world.
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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/
What happens when you survive COVID… but wake up to a completely different life? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Brianna Heitzman, a certified employment specialist with Down Syndrome of Louisville, whose life was forever changed after a severe battle with COVID-19. After being placed on a ventilator and ECMO, Brianna faced an unimaginable outcome—the loss of her legs. But her story doesn’t end there. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose. Brianna’s journey is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that even after life-changing trauma, there is still a path forward.
What happens when a story about limb loss hits the news—and suddenly everyone you know is texting you about it? If you’re part of the limb loss community, you already know. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the experience of being “the limb loss friend”—the person others turn to when they don’t fully understand what they’re seeing but want to connect.
