In this heartfelt episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Jeanette Jones, a childhood cancer survivor whose journey is nothing short of remarkable. Diagnosed with cancer at a young age, Jeanette faced years of rigorous treatments in an effort to save her left leg. Despite the challenges, she displayed extraordinary courage and resolve throughout this difficult period.
At just 16 years old, Jeanette underwent a hip disarticulation, a rare and complex surgery involving the removal of her entire leg, including the femur, from the pelvis. While many might see such an experience as insurmountable, Jeanette has turned her challenges into triumphs. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, positivity, and the human spirit.
In this episode, Jeanette shares her personal journey of adapting to life after amputation, finding strength in adversity, and embracing her new normal with grace and determination. Her insights offer not just inspiration but also practical wisdom for anyone facing life’s trials.
Tune in for a moving conversation that highlights the triumph of the human spirit and the extraordinary ways people can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
