Upper Limb Amputee Podcast
What the TV Stories Didn’t Show | The Real Reason Behind My PBA Comeback
Over the past few days, I was fortunate to be featured by ABC15 and Arizona's Family as I prepare for my return to PBA competition after more than 30 years away from the sport. The television stories were fantastic, but as anyone who has ever done an interview knows, there's always more that doesn't make the final cut. In this special solo episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I share some of the stories, organizations, and experiences that didn't make it into the TV segments, including: • The mission behind the We're Not Stumped podcast • Joe & Marie Bolland's Helping Hands and supporting people with limb loss and limb differences • Enable Review and helping people make informed prosthetic care decisions • Why this comeback is about much more than bowling
Things I Didn’t Expect About Returning to Bowling After 30 Years
After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t. In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my return to competition at the 2026 PBA60 World Championship. The body doesn’t work quite the same at 61. Some instincts and memories never really leave. And one unexpected encounter reminded me that people still remember my days on the PBA Tour. This episode isn’t about scores or equipment. It’s about rediscovering a part of my life I thought was behind me and finding out what’s still possible when you decide to take one more run. As the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, I hope this conversation encourages you to revisit a dream, try something again, or simply remember that it’s never too late to surprise yourself.
The Top 3 Questions About Mike Bolland’s Bowling Comeback
Ever since announcing his return to competitive bowling, Mike Bolland has been getting one question after another from friends, bowlers, podcast listeners, and people discovering his story for the first time. In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike answers the top three questions he keeps hearing: 🎳 How did he start bowling? 🎳 Why did he walk away from the sport? 🎳 Why is he coming back now at 61 years old? Mike shares the story behind becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, the life experiences that pulled him away from bowling, and how volunteering with Arizona Disabled Sports unexpectedly helped inspire his comeback journey toward the PBA60 World Championship.
Belma Islamovic: Double Amputee & War Survivor
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
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.
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.