The North American One – Armed Golfer Association president Dan Aldrich is the latest guest on the We’re Not Stumped podcast.
Dan was a teenager in late 1980s Los Angeles, competing as a high-speed international water skier until a fall at nearly 100 mph caused complete nerve detachment in his left arm, deemed irreparable. This injury, affecting the brachial plexus—a network of nerves transmitting movement and sensory signals from the spinal cord to the arms and hands—seemingly stripped the 18-year-old of his ability to engage in sports, including skiing and golf. He went on a high school trip two weeks after the accident and just kept thinking, ‘Here you go with life.’ “
Shortly after his senior trip, Aldrich returned home and accompanied his father to the golf course. Observing for a moment, he then borrowed a 4-wood from his father’s bag and, using only his right arm, expertly launched the ball over a water hazard, surpassing his father’s performance.
Aldrich has harnessed that inspiration not only for his personal involvement but also to uplift countless others. Serving as the President of the National One-Armed Golfers Association (www.naoaga.org), he spearheads efforts to organize and advocate for tournaments across the United States catering to one-armed golfers. The NAOAGA follows the legacy of the globally-minded Society of One-Armed Golfers, which originated in Scotland in 1932.
Links:
North American One – Armed Golfer Association – https://www.naoaga.org/
U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance – https://www.usaga.org/
#golf #adaptiveathlete #adaptivegolf #NAOAGA #golflife #golfing #golfer #golfswing #golfstagram #golfcourse #instagolf #golfaddict #pga #golfmk #golfclub #pgatour #golfr #golfers #golftips #golfislife #adaptivesports #paragolfer #disabilityawareness #adaptiveathlete #adaptivegolfers #allarewelcomehere #amputeegolf #adaptivegolfer #amputee #adaptive
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Joslynn Bigelow, founder and CEO of Say How Consulting, for a powerful conversation on disability advocacy, system navigation, and the importance of dignity of risk. Joslynn shares her personal journey into advocacy, the launch of her consulting business, and her five guiding principles for creating inclusive services: dignity of risk, individual readiness, assess and address, authentic experience, and realistic opportunities. The discussion dives into: ✅ Why “say how” means finding solutions when systems say “no” ✅ The role of dignity of risk in fostering independence and inclusion ✅ The origins and growth of the United Adaptive Soccer Association (UASA) ✅ The challenges of advancing inclusion in adaptive sports ✅ The unique opportunities upcoming global sporting events offer for disability awareness
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Shawn Johnson, founder and executive director of Enhancing Skills for Life, and Mike St. Onge, board chairman and quadruple amputee, to explore the organization’s inspiring mission and impact. Shawn, an occupational therapist with nearly three decades of prosthetic and rehabilitation experience, shares how Enhancing Skills for Life grew from its first workshop in 2002 into a global community serving people living without both arms or all four limbs. Mike reflects on his personal journey as a quadruple amputee, highlighting the strength of peer support and empowerment in rebuilding independence. Discover how this nonprofit is transforming lives through: ✅ Workshops and skill-building events ✅ Adaptive equipment resources like the “Hands-Free Catalog” ✅ Scholarships, mentorship, and international participation ✅ Exciting future collaborations and upcoming workshops Whether you’re part of the limb loss community or simply inspired by stories of resilience and hope, this conversation is packed with insight and heart.
In 2013, Armeda Batchler made the life-altering decision to amputate her left leg above the knee after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma—just months after becoming a new mother. Determined to push forward, she balanced recovery, parenting, and work with remarkable strength. Yet behind the resilience, Armeda faced hidden struggles: depression, isolation, and the difficulty of asking for help. Over time, she discovered the healing power of connection, rebuilding a local amputee support group and embracing advocacy to support others walking a similar path. In this heartfelt conversation, Armeda opens up about her cancer journey, the challenges of raising her daughter while adapting to limb loss, and how hope and community helped her transform struggle into purpose.
Leave A Comment