Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects millions worldwide — yet most people don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Emmy Award-winning journalist and Global PAD Association co-founder Kym McNicholas to explain what PAD is, how it causes poor circulation, and why early detection is critical in preventing amputation.
Kym shares her inspiring journey from covering a medical story to becoming one of the leading advocates for PAD awareness and patient empowerment. She sheds light on how education, proper diagnosis, and access to the right care can literally save limbs — and lives.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The symptoms and stages of PAD — and why it often goes undiagnosed
✅ How 85% of diabetes-related amputations could be avoided with proper vascular testing
✅ Why getting a second opinion before surgery can make all the difference
✅ How the Global PAD Association (PADHelp.org) supports patients through education, walking programs, and the PAD Hotline (1-833-PAD-LEGS)
✅ Real patient success stories showing how minimally invasive treatments can prevent amputation
If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, circulation issues, or unexplained leg pain, this episode is a must-watch. Awareness is the first step to prevention — and every step counts.
📞 PAD Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS
🌐 Learn more: https://padhelp.org
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://werenotstumped.com
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In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Eric Ford to talk about the car accident that changed the course of his life. In 2009, while driving through Atlanta with his children, Eric was struck by a drunk driver. Though his children escaped with only minor injuries, Eric was left with life-threatening damage to his leg. Over the next two months, Eric endured 12–13 surgeries, including skin and muscle grafts, in an attempt to save the leg. When the wound continued to reopen and the pain became unbearable, he made the courageous decision to undergo an amputation. Eric shares the emotional and physical challenges of that decision, and how it ultimately gave him a new lease on life.
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 of her hand—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.
What does it truly mean to be seen as fully human in a world that often overlooks disability? In this thought-provoking episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon—an acclaimed deaf author, speaker, and researcher—for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, accessibility, and belonging. With ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent joining, Dr. Cawthon shares the personal and cultural impact of her book Disability is Human, a work that has deeply influenced Mike’s own journey.
