In this powerful episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” hosted by Mike Bolland, we share three remarkable stories of resilience, determination, and triumph in the limb loss community. 🌟
Join us as we explore:
A Double Amputee’s Journey: Discover the story of a man who lost both legs after contracting sepsis but continues to inspire others with his unbreakable spirit. Read more about his journey: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-news/both-legs-amputated-after-contracting-9483421.
Woman Born Without Arms Now Driving: Learn about the incredible achievements of a woman born without arms and with shortened legs, who defied the odds and is now driving. Get the full story: https://nypost.com/2024/08/18/world-news/woman-born-without-arms-and-with-shortened-legs-now-can-drive/.
Amputee Officer’s First Pitch: Hear the inspiring tale of an Atlantic City police officer who, despite his amputation, threw out the first pitch at a Phillies game. Learn more about this milestone: https://breakingac.com/news/2024/aug/20/acpd-amputee-officer-throws-out-first-pitch-at-phillies-game/ .
These stories showcase the incredible strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance. Whether you’re seeking motivation, interested in the lives of those overcoming physical challenges, or simply love a good story of triumph, this episode is for you.
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How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way. Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability. The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare.
What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Coach Cameron “Coach Cam” Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and went on to compete through Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence and skills he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and now toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
After losing control on an icy road in Calgary, Reid Robinson crashed into a tree and suffered devastating injuries to his lower leg. What followed were two and a half years of recovery, 13 surgeries, broken surgical hardware, bone infections, and a difficult decision between amputation and trying once more to save his leg. While recovering, Reid realized that none of the available mobility devices gave him the freedom he needed. So, despite having no welding experience, he taught himself by watching online videos and built his first leg brace from aluminum, crutches, and an IKEA cutting board. That garage-built prototype eventually became the X-Leg, a hands-free knee crutch designed to help people with lower-leg injuries stay active and independent during recovery.
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