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 episode, host Mike Bolland shares the inspiring story of Carter Henning, a high school freshman from Calamus-Wheatland in Iowa who returned to lead his varsity golf team just two months after losing his leg in a snowmobile accident. Carter’s determination and passion for the game showcase what’s possible with resilience and heart. Mike also highlights the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN), a nonprofit offering vital support and peer mentorship to amputees and their families across North Texas. Founded by Ellen Winchell in 2002, DAN empowers individuals through monthly meetings, the Certified Peer Visitor program, and a strong community of encouragement.
In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Abraham, a certified Speech-Language Pathologist whose life took an unexpected turn when she became the patient. After a sudden illness left her paralyzed and unable to speak, Vanessa faced the daunting task of reclaiming her voice and identity. Vanessa shares her harrowing experience of battling Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), the emotional toll of being unable to communicate, and her path to recovery. Her story is not just one of survival but of transformation, leading her to become an advocate for ICU survivors and author of the memoir Speechless: How a Speech Therapist Lost Her Ability to Speak and Her Silent Struggle to Reclaim Her Voice and Life.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, we spotlight adaptive athlete Tracy LaMarche as she takes on the Ride to End ALZ South Carolina—a three-day cycling journey across the state with deep personal meaning. After losing her leg, Tracy found freedom and strength through cycling. Now, she rides to honor her late mother-in-law, who battled dementia, and to support vital Alzheimer’s research. Riding alongside her husband Blair, Tracy embodies resilience and hope, pedaling toward a future where no family has to face this disease alone.
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