Carter Viss was raised in Denver, Colorado, where his childhood was filled with adventures catching fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects near his home. With several saltwater aquariums to his name, his affinity for aquatic life was unmistakable, a destiny perhaps hinted at by his surname, which translates to “fish” in Dutch. Pursuing his passion, he obtained a Marine Biology degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, a place he quickly grew fond of, particularly relishing explorations of the picturesque nearshore reefs along the coastline.
However, tragedy struck on Thanksgiving Day in 2019. While snorkeling at Breaker’s Reef, his beloved spot, he was struck by a large boat. The impact resulted in the amputation of his right arm above the elbow, severe lacerations to both legs, and a badly broken left wrist. Following a complete recovery, he has dedicated himself to aiding those affected by similar accidents and advocating for improved boating and diving safety measures to avert future tragedies. Driven by his enduring love for nature and the outdoors, Carter is committed to enhancing the safety of our oceans for both humans and marine life.
Links:
Carter Viss Foundation – https://cartervissfoundation.org
#boatsafety #limbloss #adaptiveathlete #limbdifference #amputee
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Podcast host Mike Bolland is looking to connect with individuals willing to share their experiences with prosthetists and prosthetic care. If you’ve ever faced challenges with a prosthetist, received a prosthetic that didn’t meet your needs, or discovered a provider who went above and beyond, your story can make a difference. On his show, We’re Not Stumped, Mike engages in open, honest conversations about life with limb loss, prosthetics, and advocacy. His mission is to give a voice to the limb loss community, spotlight real experiences — both the good and the bad — and work toward improving the system for everyone. Mike invites you to be part of this important dialogue, knowing that your insights could help others navigate their own prosthetic journeys with greater confidence and support. 📩 Interested in being a guest? Visit: https://werenotstumped.com/were-not-stumped-limb-loss-podcast-guest-guide/
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.
Jeanette Jones returns to the We’re Not Stumped podcast with host Mike Bolland for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music. She shares a shocking and emotional story about the accessibility barriers she and her partner Frank encountered at a Def Leppard concert at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. From steep hills to discriminatory treatment by staff, their experience sheds light on how accessibility still falls short—even in 2025. But that’s just the beginning. Jeanette also opens up about her own journey—surviving childhood cancer, transitioning from prosthetics to a wheelchair, and the incredible resilience of her partner Frank after his life-changing accident. This episode is about more than one bad night—it’s a call to action for accessibility, empathy, and real change.
