Welcome back to the “We’re Not Stumped” podcast! Host Mike Bolland introduces an exceptionally inspiring guest, Jonathan Cowley. Jonathan’s story is a profound example of resilience and determination in the face of formidable challenges.
Jonathan’s journey began in early 2013 when he discovered a small lump on his right hand. With a young child at home, bumps and scrapes were commonplace, so initially, neither Jonathan nor his doctor thought it was a cause for concern. However, a few months later, while on a family cruise, the lump became a significant issue. What started as minor discomfort evolved into severe pain, and the lump turned discolored, clearly signaling something was wrong.
Following this alarming development, Jonathan went through numerous doctor visits and medical tests. The results were unexpected and devastating: Jonathan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, with only about 20 cases reported annually in the United States. This diagnosis led to a series of surgeries, but despite the efforts, the only feasible option was to amputate his right hand above the wrist, just five months after returning from the cruise.
Undeterred by this life-changing event, Jonathan immersed himself in rehabilitation and was soon fitted with a prosthetic hand. Unfortunately, the prosthetic was uncomfortable and did not fit well. Jonathan faced the difficult choice of whether to persevere with the prosthetic or adapt to life without it.
Today, Jonathan joins the podcast to share more about his journey, the challenges he overcame, and how he transformed his story into one of triumph. The conversation will explore his experiences with prosthetics, his recovery, and how he navigates life post-amputation.
Jonathan, welcome to the show!
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Golf should be accessible to everyone, and VertaCat is making that a reality with the VertaCat Golf Cart! In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Steve Doudt to discuss how this revolutionary adaptive golf cart is changing the game for individuals with mobility challenges. Steve, a bilateral above-the-knee amputee due to a motorcycle accident in 1992, has an inspiring journey of resilience and determination. After serving in the USAF 1721st Combat Control Squadron, Special Operations Team, he transitioned into adaptive sports, including wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball, even competing in the 1996 and 2000 Paralympic Games. In recent years, Steve has embraced golf, achieving significant success in adaptive tournaments. The VertaCat has been instrumental in his golfing journey, allowing him to stand and swing freely, enhancing his performance on the course.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Tim Balz, founder and CEO of Kalogon, (https://www.kalogon.com) to discuss how cutting-edge technology is improving mobility and independence for wheelchair users. Mike and Tim also explore the challenges of starting a company in the accessibility space, the importance of inclusive design, and how Kalogon is working alongside healthcare professionals and wheelchair users to bring life-changing innovations to the mobility community. Tune in for an insightful conversation about innovation, advocacy, and the future of assistive technology. Whether you're a wheelchair user, a caregiver, or simply interested in groundbreaking advancements in mobility, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we highlight incredible stories of resilience, generosity, and community support. We begin with Jeanette Ingram, an Oklahoma amputee who lost her electric wheelchair in a fire but regained mobility thanks to the kindness of Stacy Reddig. Next, we share the heroic efforts of Ohio police officers who rescued a stranded double-amputee Army veteran facing freezing temperatures. Finally, we spotlight Turnstone, a nonprofit empowering people with disabilities through adaptive sports, therapy, and advocacy. These inspiring stories remind us of the profound impact of generosity, quick action, and organizations dedicated to inclusion.
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