In this episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” we feature the inspiring Todd Key, a one-legged cyclist who demonstrated extraordinary determination and resilience. Todd’s journey began at age 7 with a severe injury to his right hand, followed by the amputation of his right leg due to muscle cancer at 17. Despite years of frustration and confusion, Todd never gave up.
In 2009, after 33 years of being cancer-free, Todd returned to cycling. Initially riding just to the movies, he quickly fell in love with biking and eventually commuted 12 miles to work. However, the strain on his left side became unbearable as he increased his distances. Not one to be deterred, Todd sought help from Airpark Bikes in Scottsdale. With manager Jason Suarez’s assistance, he customized his bike with a special seat, handlebars, and a prosthetic socket, enabling him to ride up to 100 miles pain-free.
Todd’s goal was to share this system with other amputees, providing them the freedom and joy of cycling. His fulfillment in life then focused on benefiting others. Todd’s perseverance and innovative spirit came to light when he co-headlined the 2011 Tour de Scottsdale, finishing the 70-mile tour just 30 minutes behind the able-bodied champion.
Todd shared his incredible story, the challenges he faced, and his mission to inspire and support other amputees in their cycling journeys.
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What happens when life changes in an instant—and you have to decide whether it defines you… or whether you redefine it? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Travis Sanders — master barber, entrepreneur, author, peer mentor, and above-knee amputee whose story is rooted in resilience, mindset, and purpose. After blood clots led to multiple surgeries and ultimately limb loss, Travis was forced to confront a completely different future. But instead of allowing that moment to define him, he made a powerful decision: He would redefine it. Just days after leaving the hospital, Travis returned to cutting hair — a moment that perfectly captures the determination and mindset that now fuels his mission to help others.
What does it mean to tell a story about limb loss… when you haven’t lived it yourself? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland—born without a right hand—sits down with author Jim Roberts to explore the decision to create a one-arm protagonist in his novel And Your Bird Can Sing. This conversation goes beyond writing. It’s about representation, authenticity, and what it truly means to feel seen. Jim shares how limb loss in his story became a powerful metaphor for grief, guilt, and forgiveness, set within a Southern Gothic coming-of-age journey through 1960s and 70s East Texas.
What happens when your life changes overnight—and you have to rebuild from the ground up? In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Melinda Preciado, a former ER professional turned disability advocate, about her life-changing journey after becoming an above-knee amputee in 2021 following a rare and devastating medical complication. Melinda shares the realities of life after amputation, challenges with prosthetics and accessibility, misconceptions about disability benefits, and why advocacy matters. She also opens up about social support, finding community through Miss Wheelchair, and using her story to inspire others. An honest conversation about resilience, identity, and discovering strength beyond limits.
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