What happens when you survive COVID… but wake up to a completely different life?
In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Brianna Heitzman, a certified employment specialist with Down Syndrome of Louisville, whose life was forever changed after a severe battle with COVID-19.
After being placed on a ventilator and ECMO, Brianna faced an unimaginable outcome—the loss of her legs. But her story doesn’t end there.
This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding a life with purpose.
Mike and Brianna dive into:
• Her near-death experience and long road to recovery
• The emotional and physical realities of limb loss
• Learning to adapt and regain independence
• Navigating prosthetics and ongoing challenges
• The ERTL procedure and what it means for recovery
• How her experience shaped her work helping others with employment and benefits
• Her involvement with the Moving Forward Amputee Network
Brianna’s journey is raw, real, and deeply inspiring—a reminder that even after life-changing trauma, there is still a path forward.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more powerful stories from the limb loss and disability community.
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In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs. Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss. Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.
In this empowering episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Dr. Jackie Garcia, PT, DPT — a bilingual physical therapist, neurologic specialist-in-training, and founder of Nxt Stride Rehab — a virtual coaching program transforming how amputees recover, rebuild, and thrive. Jackie opens up about her journey into physical therapy, her passion for supporting individuals with limb loss and spinal cord injuries, and how a gap in care inspired her to launch a program that brings expert support directly into people’s homes — no matter where they live.
In this powerful conclusion to the Triple A’s of Limb Loss series, host Mike Bolland explores the third and perhaps most impactful "A"—Attitude. Born without a right hand, Mike shares how attitude isn't just a mindset—it's a survival tool. With honesty and humor, he dives into how your outlook shapes your journey after amputation, influences your recovery, and determines how you show up for yourself and others. Whether you’re newly navigating limb loss or years into your journey, this episode is a reminder that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we respond.
