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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Host Mike Bolland highlights inspiring stories of resilience and recovery. We explore the latest in assistive technology and vocational resources at the VRATE Expo, empowering individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we celebrate the bravery of a double amputee Army veteran who skydived to kick off the Helping Heroes Golf Tournament, and share how amputee golfers gathered in New Jersey for a unique clinic, finding healing and camaraderie through the game.
In this episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland speaks with Sarah Dorman from Care 4 the Caregivers, Susan Purrington from Welcomed Here, and Irene Davis from the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona. Discover how Care 4 the Caregivers addresses burnout and PTSD-like symptoms for parents raising children with disabilities, how Welcomed Here helps businesses create more inclusive environments and how the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona supports individuals and families throughout their journey.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland announces new social media accounts for this podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WereNotStumpedLimbLossPodcast, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werenotstumped/. He then dives into two remarkable stories of resilience in the face of amputation. First, he discusses Pointed in the Right Direction, an inspiring memoir from Jeff Soelberg about overcoming life’s challenges after partial hand/finger amputation. Then, we hear the heartwarming story of a 7-year-old boy who, despite having both legs amputated, conquers his fear of swimming and embraces life with courage.
