In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland covers three impactful stories from the community, each highlighting different aspects of support, accountability, and innovation.
First, we explore a fundraiser organized to assist a young amputee and their family, providing crucial financial support to manage medical expenses. Mike urges others who may know more about this story to reach out so he can share additional information.
Next, Mike discusses a tragic incident at Grace Hospital, where an amputation error resulted in the removal of the wrong leg, sparking an investigation. This heartbreaking event highlights the need for strict medical oversight and patient safety measures.
Lastly, Mike highlights the work of AbleGamers, a nonprofit organization making gaming accessible for people with disabilities. By creating adaptive gaming technology, #AbleGamers opens up a world of connection, creativity, and independence for people with physical limitations. For #amputees and those in other communities, this innovation fosters social inclusion and empowerment through play.
Together, these stories underscore the resilience within the #amputee community and the allies supporting them—from grassroots efforts to medical advocacy and inclusive tech solutions. Join us for this episode celebrating community, compassion, and empowerment.
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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.
