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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In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares two powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit: 🏅 A Double Amputee’s Olympic Journey After surviving a devastating accident, this athlete didn’t give up—he set his sights on the Paralympic Games. Learn how he turned trauma into purpose, using adaptive training and relentless determination to pursue a spot on Team USA. 🦿 Mission Gait: Advancing Gait Rehabilitation Worldwide Meet the people behind Mission Gait, a nonprofit transforming the way physical therapists treat patients with complex walking challenges. From educational programs to international outreach, Mission Gait is creating a global movement for mobility. 🎧 Whether you're part of the limb loss community or just need a boost of hope, this episode shows what's possible when we move forward with purpose.
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.
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