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.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Host Mike Bolland highlights inspiring stories of resilience and recovery. We explore the latest in assistive technology and vocational resources at the VRATE Expo, empowering individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we celebrate the bravery of a double amputee Army veteran who skydived to kick off the Helping Heroes Golf Tournament, and share how amputee golfers gathered in New Jersey for a unique clinic, finding healing and camaraderie through the game.
In this episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland speaks with Sarah Dorman from Care 4 the Caregivers, Susan Purrington from Welcomed Here, and Irene Davis from the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona. Discover how Care 4 the Caregivers addresses burnout and PTSD-like symptoms for parents raising children with disabilities, how Welcomed Here helps businesses create more inclusive environments and how the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona supports individuals and families throughout their journey.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland announces new social media accounts for this podcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WereNotStumpedLimbLossPodcast, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werenotstumped/. He then dives into two remarkable stories of resilience in the face of amputation. First, he discusses Pointed in the Right Direction, an inspiring memoir from Jeff Soelberg about overcoming life’s challenges after partial hand/finger amputation. Then, we hear the heartwarming story of a 7-year-old boy who, despite having both legs amputated, conquers his fear of swimming and embraces life with courage.
