Because of his aggressive playing style—often sliding headfirst into bases while wearing only shorts—Eric injured his knees. The constant scraping of skin on hard gravel caused deep abrasions and internal injuries. Years and years of wear and tear led to surgeries and more surgeries. At a certain point, Eric had to decide whether to endure the terrible pain and immobility caused by the mounting surgeries or have his right leg amputated. He opted for the latter, and in 2009, Eric had his right leg removed. A few years later, in 2018, he had to have his left leg amputated, resulting in him becoming a bi-lateral, above-knee amputee. Both 2009 and 2018 were the worst and yet best years of his life.
Eric found purpose and meaning. This started with his discovery and involvement in the sport of rowing, specifically adaptive rowing. He found, even though he was a bilateral amputee, that he could row using a machine called an ERG. Eventually, this led him into competition. He competed three times in the World Indoor Rowing Adaptive Championships in Boston, Massachusetts and won a silver medal at his first Championship. He recently finished first in the category of 60-year and older lower leg amputee males. In 2012, he was invited to try out for the United States Paralympic Rowing Team. Though he did not win a spot on the team, he is forever grateful for the opportunity and experience he gained through the leadership, inspiration, and motivation of his fellow athletes.
Links
Eric Gabriel Website: https://gabrieleric42.wixsite.com/website
Eric’s GoFundMe for his house: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-erics-disability-adaptive-home
GCU Graduation: https://youtu.be/QeZU8J3u2O0
GCU Feature: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXRaKUdYJrI
Duke University Spotlight: https://www.contrastcreative.com/portfolio/all-staff-event/?prev_page=9
ABC11 TV Feature: https://abc11.com/double-amputee-rowing-eric-gabriel-gofundme/6380274/
CW22 Web Feature: https://raleighcw.com/news/22-now/eric-gabriels-amputee-journey
Eric Gabriel on Amplitude Magazine: https://livingwithamplitude.com/tag/eric-gabriel/
Want to be considered as a guest? Fill out the form here: https://werenotstumped.com/contact-amputee-podcast/
Want to learn more about our host Mike Bolland? See his website https://mikebolland.com/
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search. He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding when (or if) to disclose your disability. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, strategies, and real-world advice from someone who’s walked the walk. 🛠️ Topics include: How to highlight your strengths, not your limitations Disability-friendly job boards and resources Why owning your story is your greatest strength Whether you were born with a disability or acquired one later in life, this episode is for anyone ready to pursue meaningful work and thrive.
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.
