Rachel Grow: Overcoming Symbrachydactyly and Success in Hollywood

In the first episode of season two of the We’re not Stumped podcast, I welcome television producer Rachel Grow. Rachel was born in Wiesbaden, Germany with a congenital condition called symbrachydactyly. Symbrachydactyly is a rare congenital hand condition in which a child is born with abnormally short fingers that may be webbed, misshaped or missing. It is often confused with other hand conditions but differs in that the underlying structure of the hand is affected — not just the fingers. The hand may not function well, and the bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the hand are also often affected.

Even with her start in life, Rachel has continued to move forward with nothing but a positive attitude. She has worked in Hollywood both in front of and behind the camera, most notably as a producer on such shows as America’s Got Talent, American Idol and Shipping Wars. In this episode Rachel talks about her prosthetic designed by Arm Dynamics and created by Point Design, a great story on how she learned to tie her shoes…and much more!

To learn even more about Rachel, you can follow her on social:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@BionicRachel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionic_rachel/

Her appearance on The Tex Factor: https://youtu.be/S2IBDkjZdJA?t=640

Prosthetic Links:

Arm Dynamics: https://www.armdynamics.com/

Point Design: https://www.pointdesignsllc.com/

#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland highlights two powerful stories of perseverance, athleticism, and community support. First, we dive into the journey of a local teen who is redefining the game of softball. After undergoing a double amputation, she hasn’t just adapted—she’s excelling, competing at a high level, and proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Her story is an inspiration to athletes and amputees alike, showing that the love of the game knows no limits. Next, we spotlight A Leg Forever, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting amputees and their families. A Leg Forever Charitable Foundation was established by Elizabeth (Liz) Norden in honor of her two sons JP and Paul Norden who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013. The foundation's mission is to pay it forward and assist other amputees in their time of need just as JP and Paul were helped with overwhelming support following the marathon bombings. Their work ensures that individuals facing limb loss have the support they need to navigate their journeys with confidence. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that celebrates the strength of the human spirit, the importance of representation in sports, and the life-changing impact of organizations like A Leg Forever. Whether you’re an athlete, an amputee, or someone who loves a great comeback story, this episode is for you! A Leg Forever: https://www.alegforever.com/ Amputee Softball Star: https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/52615126/local-teen-with-double-amputation-turns-heads-in-competitive-softball-world

March 27th, 2025|

In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we dive into the journey of a local teen who is redefining the game of softball. After undergoing a double amputation, she hasn’t just adapted—she’s excelling, competing at a high level, and proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. Next, we spotlight A Leg Forever, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting amputees and their families. A Leg Forever Charitable Foundation was established by Elizabeth (Liz) Norden in honor of her two sons JP and Paul Norden who each lost a leg in the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15, 2013.

  • Leading Through Adversity with Michael Allison

March 25th, 2025|

In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Michael Allison, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Purple Heart recipient, best-selling author, and globally recognized leadership expert. As the CEO of The Adversity Academy, Michael has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations embrace resilience, accountability, and leadership. He shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the lessons learned in high-pressure combat zones, and his groundbreaking UN-Leadership and Break The Bottle – 3D methodologies. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on overcoming adversity, breaking limitations, and unlocking your full leadership potential.

  • Parker Byrd & Kirstie Ennis' Inspiring Journeys

March 20th, 2025|

In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we celebrate two incredible individuals who embody perseverance and resilience. First, we highlight Parker Byrd, the East Carolina University baseball player who made history as the first NCAA baseball athlete to compete with a prosthetic leg. Parker's journey began with a devastating boating accident that could have ended his athletic career. Instead, he refused to let adversity define him. Through relentless determination and hard work, Parker returned to the field, proving that setbacks can be stepping stones to even greater achievements. His story is an inspiration to athletes everywhere, showing that passion and persistence can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Next, we turn to the impactful work of the Kirstie Ennis Foundation. Founded by Marine veteran and amputee Kirstie Ennis, the organization is dedicated to empowering individuals through outdoor adventures, education, and adaptive sports. Kirstie’s life changed forever when she lost her leg in a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan. Rather than letting the tragedy hold her back, she became a world-class mountaineer and advocate, using her platform to uplift others facing adversity. Through her foundation, she continues to inspire and support those navigating their own challenges, proving that resilience knows no limits.

By |2025-04-09T21:07:09-07:00February 22nd, 2023|Limb Difference Stories, Podcast, Upper Limb Amputees|0 Comments

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