We're Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

Whitney Lavender: From CRPS to Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 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.

In this episode, Mike and Whitney discuss:

• Living with CRPS and chronic pain
• Whitney’s amputation journey and recovery
• Phantom pain and adapting to life with prosthetics
• Overcoming depression and rebuilding confidence
• The importance of support and community
• Adaptive sports and accessibility advocacy
• Whitney’s children’s book and podcast Wits Grit
• Her journey to becoming Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026

Whitney’s story is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges can sometimes reveal strengths we never knew we had.

Whitney’s Website: https://www.whitneylavender.com/

Whit & Wheels: A Journey of Courage: https://www.amazon.com/Whit-Wheels-Journey-Whitney-Lavender/dp/1959955683

🎙 Learn more about We’re Not Stumped and subscribe for more stories of resilience, perseverance, and overcoming obstacles.

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By |May 26th, 2026|Limb Loss Due To Medical Condition, Lower Limb Amputees|Comments Off on Whitney Lavender: From CRPS to Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2026

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Mike Bolland PBA Bound!

What happens when you step back into something you once loved… years later? In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the story behind his bowling comeback — from becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour to stepping back onto the lanes with a renewed sense of purpose. But this story is about more than bowling. It’s about rediscovering confidence, overcoming fear, finding purpose again, and proving that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful. Whether you’re facing adversity, starting over, or trying to reconnect with something you once loved, this episode is a reminder that your story is still being written.

I Hate to Break It to Woody Harrelson… but I Was the Original Kingpin.

Before the movie Kingpin ever hit theaters, I was already bowling professionally with one hand as the first amputee to compete on the PBA Tour.

Now decades later, at 61 years old, I’m making a comeback. This video is a fun look at the similarities between my story and the iconic movie — except this one’s real.

From bowling with one hand… to stepping back onto the lanes for the PBA60 World Championship… this comeback is about proving it’s never too late to chase something meaningful again.

And yes… I’m still trying to avoid the gutter balls and my hook flying off!.

 

Copyright 2026 We’re not Stumped, One Hand Man Productions and Mike Bolland
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