In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I welcome right above-knee amputee (RAKA) and bodybuilder Tracy Gariepy LaMarche.
Tracy wasn’t your typical athlete. In fact, she didn’t even dip her toes into the world of physical fitness until she reached her thirties. But when she finally embraced it, she did so with an unwavering commitment.
A series of events unfolded, propelling Tracy on an unexpected journey. She pursued and obtained certifications in group fitness and personal training, driven by a newfound passion for health and wellness. Fuelled by her determination, she took a leap of faith and opened her very own fitness studio, where she inspired others to push their limits and achieve their fitness goals.
But Tracy wasn’t satisfied with just helping others; she craved personal challenges too. She set her sights on ultra marathons, races that tested the limits of endurance and willpower. Undeterred by the daunting distances, she tackled courses stretching beyond 100 miles, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion and beyond.
Her accomplishments didn’t end there. Tracy sought new heights in the realm of competitive bodybuilding, breaking barriers and stereotypes as a female athlete on the national stage. With dedication and discipline, she sculpted her body into a symbol of strength and resilience, inspiring others to defy expectations and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
However, just as Tracy seemed unstoppable, fate dealt her a cruel blow. In 2021, a knee injury struck, threatening to derail her journey. Despite undergoing surgeries in hopes of recovery, complications arose. Failed hardware and a bone infection turned a setback into a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. With little choice, she elected to have her right leg amputated in May of 2023.
Links:
BATL Fitness: https://batlfitness.godaddysites.com/
Tracy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefit_girl/
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In this episode of the We're Not Stumped Podcast, Mike Bolland welcomes Lynn Jensen, author of Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss, to share her remarkable journey from sudden blindness to living an independent, adventurous life filled with travel, purpose, and humor. Lynn discusses the challenges she faced after losing her vision, from relearning everyday tasks to navigating the world with guide dogs. She shares practical travel tips for people with sight loss, explains common misconceptions about blindness, and discusses how independence looks different for everyone.
Over the past few days, I was fortunate to be featured by ABC15 and Arizona's Family as I prepare for my return to PBA competition after more than 30 years away from the sport. The television stories were fantastic, but as anyone who has ever done an interview knows, there's always more that doesn't make the final cut. In this special solo episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I share some of the stories, organizations, and experiences that didn't make it into the TV segments, including: • The mission behind the We're Not Stumped podcast • Joe & Marie Bolland's Helping Hands and supporting people with limb loss and limb differences • Enable Review and helping people make informed prosthetic care decisions • Why this comeback is about much more than bowling
Rachel Kubicki, Executive Director of the Hanger Foundation, joins Mike Bolland to discuss the organization's mission of empowering people with physical challenges to live life as fully as possible. With more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Rachel shares how the Foundation has expanded its impact through scholarships, nonprofit grants, community events, and innovative fundraising efforts. She discusses Move to Inspire, EmpowerFest, and the upcoming Night to Inspire event in Nashville, all designed to create opportunities, build connections, and inspire achievement within the limb loss and limb difference community. Rachel also shares powerful stories of individuals who have overcome obstacles, reached unexpected milestones, and discovered the life-changing value of community support.
