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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Mike Bolland highlights two powerful topics of resilience, and community. Topic 1 – A Call for Coaches ArizonAbility is launching a basketball clinic for adults with disabilities, and they’re looking for a passionate coach to lead the way. This isn’t just about basketball—it’s about confidence, teamwork, and creating a space where every player can thrive. Mike explains what this opportunity means for the community and how one coach can make a life-changing impact. Topic 2 – Inspiration from Legapalooza Mike also shares the inspiring story of Legapalooza (https://legapalooza.com/), founded by Tommy Donahue after a life-changing accident. What started as a small charity event has grown into a movement of resilience, connection, and giving back. Tommy’s journey reminds us that when we come together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for hope and empowerment.
Host Mike Bolland sits down with Alexia Michitti—a public speaker, athlete, and entrepreneur born without a right hand. Together, they reflect on their shared experiences of limb difference and Alexia’s powerful journey of resilience, determination, and innovation. Alexia shares how she’s breaking barriers in sports and beyond—from representing the U.S. in the first Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup, to filing a patent for adaptive clothing through her brand Em13race (https://em13race.com/), to finding her voice as a motivational speaker. She opens up about life without a prosthetic, her role models, and her passion for inspiring children with limb differences to embrace their uniqueness.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland reviews EmpowerFest 2025, celebrating the limb loss and limb difference community with inspiring speakers, adaptive activities, and unforgettable moments. Mike also shares a story about a comedian who made a tasteless joke about the limb loss community — and how he got the comedian to remove the post. Tune in for insights, laughs, and a look at what makes the limb loss community so resilient and inspiring!
