We’re Not Stumped Podcast John Werner Right Below Knee Amputee

In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I welcome John Werner.

Mr. Werner, who retired from Xerox after 41 years in the fall of 2018, faced an unexpected challenge shortly after his retirement. Just a couple of months into his retirement in January 2019, he began experiencing severe pain in his ankle, leading to the amputation of his right leg below the knee two months later. Despite this life-altering event, Werner remained determined to enjoy life as he had planned during retirement.

To cope with his new circumstances, Werner sought support from an online national amputee support group. Over the following months, he underwent the process of being fitted for and adjusting to using a prosthetic leg. Recognizing the significant impact of losing a limb, Werner wanted to ensure that others facing similar challenges knew they were not alone.

In his efforts to support the amputee community, Werner reached out to the Sunbury YMCA. The organization generously offered him a room free of charge for hosting meetings, providing a valuable space for amputees to come together, share experiences, and find support.

Werner expressed gratitude towards the Sunbury YMCA for their generosity and support during this challenging time. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained resilient and focused on embracing life to the fullest, albeit at a slightly slower pace.

#amputee #amputeesupoort #amputeesupportgroup #limbloss #LBKA #oneleg #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #inspiration #belowkneeamputee #adaptivesports #limbdifference #disabilityawareness #nevergiveup #paralympics #limblossawareness #noexcuses #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #ampstrong

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

May 26th, 2026|

Host Mike Bolland welcomes Whitney Lavender — Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026, author, advocate, and host of the Wits Grit podcast — for an inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and overcoming unimaginable challenges. After a devastating fall led to a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Whitney faced years of severe pain, countless treatments, and ultimately bilateral leg amputations. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she rebuilt her life and discovered a new purpose through advocacy, storytelling, and empowering others. Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes reveal strengths we never knew we had.

  • Amputee Professional Bowler

May 22nd, 2026|

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.

  • One handed pro bowler

May 19th, 2026|

What happens when you step back into something you once loved… years later? In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, Mike Bolland shares the story behind his bowling comeback — from being the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour to stepping back onto the lanes with a new purpose. But this isn’t just about bowling. It's about shedding light on the things that are important to him - this podcast, his nonprofit and Enable Review. It’s never too late to chase something meaningful.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Leave A Comment

Go to Top