In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped, we sit down with Kelly J. Mendenhall—an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate—to explore her transformative journey from a thriving career in nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur and patient advocate. Diagnosed with rare spinal cord conditions in 2017, Kelly faced a medical mystery that led her to redefine her life and purpose.
Kelly shares her experiences navigating the healthcare system, the challenges of living with invisible disabilities, and how she channeled her struggles into writing and advocacy. Her memoir, “Skin in the Game: The Stories My Tattoos Tell,” delves into her personal narrative, offering insights into resilience and self-discovery.
Kelly’s dedication to empowering others is evident in her efforts to raise awareness about chronic pain, mental health, and the importance of patient-centered care.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of storytelling, the importance of self-advocacy, and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re interested in personal development, healthcare advocacy, or the art of memoir writing, this episode offers valuable insights and motivation.
Key Topics:
- Kelly’s transition from nonprofit fundraising to becoming a disabled entrepreneur
- Navigating the complexities of rare spinal cord conditions and chronic pain
- The inspiration behind her memoir, “Skin in the Game: The Stories My Tattoos Tell”
- Strategies for self-advocacy within the healthcare system
Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom, courage, and actionable advice for anyone facing life’s unexpected challenges.
Connect with Kelly J. Mendenhall:
Website: kellyjmendenhall.com
Subscribe to Our Podcast: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-amputee-podcast-mailing-list/
Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing and hitting the notification bell. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review and share it with your network. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to light.
Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
What happens when life takes you in an unexpected direction? For William Person, it meant going from college track and field to becoming an Olympic bobsledder — despite once thinking the sport was “stupid.” In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives deep into Will’s remarkable story — from athletic triumphs to the unseen mental and physical toll of high-impact sports. Will shares: ✅ An Unexpected Start – How a Canadian team discovered him at ASU and convinced him to try bobsledding—only for him to win a medal in his first week. ✅ The Hidden Dangers – The connection between bobsledding and CTE, the effects of repeated high G-forces, and the lack of medical safeguards for athletes. ✅ Cognitive & Emotional Struggles – How memory lapses, confusion, and the loss of a teammate shaped his journey toward healing. ✅ Advocacy & Recovery – Will’s mission to raise awareness about mental health, his success with oxygen therapy, and his vision to open a treatment facility for athletes and veterans in St. Louis. This episode goes far beyond sports—it’s a story of resilience, healing, and the fight for athlete safety.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Neomi Flores, who became an amputee at age 43 after a blood clot changed her life forever. Neomi shares her powerful journey, including: The frightening symptoms that led to her amputation Facing fear and uncertainty before surgery A year in a wheelchair and the challenges of recovery Learning to walk again with prosthetics Drawing strength from her faith, her children, and small victories The meaning behind her tattoo: “Don’t just exist, live” Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and determination—a reminder that even in life’s toughest moments, it’s possible to find purpose and live fully.
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.
