Upper Limb Amputee Podcast
Kicking Barriers: Alexia Michitti on Soccer, Innovation & Empowering Kids with Limb Differences
Host Mike Bolland sits down with Alexia Michitti—a public speaker, athlete, and entrepreneur born without a right hand. Together, they reflect on their shared experiences of limb difference and Alexia’s powerful journey of resilience, determination, and innovation. Alexia shares how she’s breaking barriers in sports and beyond—from representing the U.S. in the first Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup, to filing a patent for adaptive clothing through her brand Em13race (https://em13race.com/), to finding her voice as a motivational speaker. She opens up about life without a prosthetic, her role models, and her passion for inspiring children with limb differences to embrace their uniqueness.
Katie Thomas on Parenting, Advocacy, and Living One-Handed
In this heartfelt and uplifting episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Katie Thomas for a conversation filled with honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Born without her right arm below the elbow, Katie began receiving care at Shriners Hospital in Tampa at age 3 and experimented with various prosthetics throughout her childhood. Over time, she discovered that prosthetics were a helpful tool—but not essential for her to live a full, capable life. Now a devoted parent, Katie opens up about raising her son, who has Witteveen Colk syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She shares her journey through early intervention services, advocating for genetic testing, and ensuring her child receives the support he needs. Her advice to parents? Trust your instincts, push for answers, and never hesitate to speak up for your child.
Apparently, I Need a Prosthetic to Wash Apples…
Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project: "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence." As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device. And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence. While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed.
One Hand, Many Strengths: Stevia Walker on Advocacy and Dallas Amputee Network
Stevia Walker joins host Mike Bolland to share her powerful story of resilience after a life-altering car accident that left her with a fused cervical spine and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her right hand. After extensive research and consultations, Stevia made the courageous decision to undergo amputation of her hand—with the support of Dr. Stephen Niedermeyer. In this inspiring episode, Stevia reflects on rebuilding her life, from her former career as a hair stylist to her meaningful role today as a Girl Scout leader. She speaks candidly about living with phantom limb pain, her challenges with prosthetics, and how she empowers others by sharing her experiences. As a board member of the Dallas Amputee Network (DAN - https://dallasamputeenetwork.org/), Stevia highlights the nonprofit’s impactful work supporting amputees, caregivers, and families throughout North Texas. Founded in 2002, DAN provides education, peer mentorship, fitness opportunities, and social events like the upcoming Legapalooza fundraiser—all aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by limb loss.
Unstoppable: Jessica Cox’s Journey as the World’s First Armless Pilot
A must listen! In this dynamic episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland speaks with Jessica Cox, a pioneering pilot, martial artist, and motivational speaker born without arms. Jessica shares her journey of overcoming challenges, embracing independence, and inspiring others worldwide. She reflects on her childhood, the support of her parents, and her decision to forgo prosthetics in favor of using her feet. She recounts her fight to regain her driver’s license after unfair scrutiny, a moment that reinforced her resilience. Jessica also discusses earning her black belt in Taekwondo and becoming the world’s first armless pilot—turning fear into empowerment. Through her nonprofit, Right Footed Foundation International, Jessica mentors children without arms, encouraging them to chase their dreams. Looking ahead, she aims to build her own plane for greater independence. This episode is a testament to determination, self-belief, and living without limits. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!
From Tragedy to Purpose: Amputee Billy Parker on Promoting Workplace Safety
In this powerful episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland talks with Billy Parker, a former welder who lost both arms in a life-changing accident. Billy shares his incredible journey of resilience, finding a new purpose, and his mission to promote workplace safety to prevent similar tragedies. Billy discusses his advocacy work, personal growth, and how he empowers others to prioritize safety in all aspects of life. His inspiring story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact.
About Upper Limb Amputees
“Upper limb amputees” refers to individuals who have experienced the loss of one or more of their upper limbs, typically the arms and hands, due to various causes such as trauma, congenital conditions, or medical interventions (e.g., surgical amputation). Upper limb amputations can occur at different levels, and the specific terminology used to describe the level of amputation is as follows:
- Transhumeral: An amputation that occurs above the elbow joint, resulting in the loss of the entire forearm and hand.
- Elbow Disarticulation: An amputation that takes place at the elbow joint, preserving the lower arm but removing the entire hand and upper arm.
- Transradial: This type of amputation occurs below the elbow joint, resulting in the loss of the hand and part of the forearm.
- Wrist Disarticulation: An amputation that occurs at the wrist joint, preserving the lower arm and removing the hand.
- Partial Hand or Finger Amputation: In some cases, individuals may experience amputations that affect only a portion of the hand or fingers, such as the loss of one or more fingers or parts of the hand.
Upper limb amputees face unique challenges and often require customized prosthetic devices to regain functional capabilities and adapt to daily life. Prosthetic solutions for upper limb amputees can vary widely in complexity and design, depending on the level of amputation and the individual’s specific needs and goals. Rehabilitation, training, and support from healthcare professionals, including prosthetists and occupational therapists, play a crucial role in helping upper limb amputees learn to use their prosthetic limbs effectively and regain independence in various activities.