We're Not Stumped - Centering on life stories of Amputees and the Limb Loss / Limb Difference Communities

In this episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland speaks with Sarah Dorman from Care 4 the Caregivers, Susan Purrington from Welcomed Here, and Irene Davis from the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona. Discover: How Care 4 the Caregivers addresses burnout and PTSD-like symptoms for parents raising children with disabilities. How Welcomed Here helps businesses create more inclusive environments. How the Down Syndrome Network of Arizona supports individuals and families throughout their journey.
Links:

• Care 4 the CareGivers: https://care4thecaregivers.org/
• Welcomed Here: https://www.welcomedhere.org/home
• Down Syndrome Network of Arizona: https://dsnetworkaz.org/

#CaregiversSupport #Inclusion #DownSyndromeAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #CommunityEmpowerment #WereNotStumped #InclusiveLiving #CaregiverBurnout #SupportForFamilies

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In the latest episode of the "We’re Not Stumped" podcast, the spotlight is on Dave Gibson, an inspiring individual from Arizona who shares his powerful story of resilience and humor in the face of life's daunting challenges. Dave was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona in the spring of 2004. He loves riding motorcycles, playing hockey, and being introduced to anything new. Dave's journey is marked by a series of life-altering events, beginning with a severe motorcycle accident that led to the loss of his left leg. This traumatic incident could have easily defined his life, but Dave chose a different path.

Despite the physical and emotional hurdles of limb loss, Dave's indomitable spirit shines through. He continues to ride his motorcycle, a testament to his determination and love for life on the road. Riding isn't just a hobby for Dave; it's a symbol of his refusal to be confined by his circumstances.

However, Dave's journey doesn't end there. He also candidly discusses surviving two strokes, which added another layer of complexity to his life. These strokes left him with a speech quality that he humorously likens to sounding “like I’ve had a bit to drink.” Yet, this change hasn’t dimmed his zest for life or his ability to bring joy to those around him. Instead, Dave embraces his unique voice and continues to engage with the world around him, often bringing laughter to his friends and family.

Throughout the podcast, Dave opens up about the challenges he has faced, offering an honest and heartfelt look at his journey. From the initial shock of his accident and strokes to the daily struggles and triumphs of living as an amputee, he provides valuable insights and encouragement for others facing similar obstacles.

Listeners of "We’re Not Stumped" will find Dave’s story both moving and uplifting. His experiences highlight not only the physical and mental battles that come with severe medical issues but also the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Dave Gibson's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of maintaining a sense of humor, even in the toughest times.

To hear Dave’s full story and learn more about his inspiring outlook on life, check out the latest episode of the "We’re Not Stumped" podcast.

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In 2017 Kayla Inman slid on ice while leaving her workplace, and this event changed the course of her life. That slide caused her to feel constant pain in her foot, a pain that doctors failed to diagnose until December 2020, when she discovered she was developing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). After numerous consultations with medical experts and many conversations with her family, Kayla came to terms with the fact that the only solution to her pain and inability to walk was amputation.
On Sept. 30, 2021, orthopedic surgeon David Hahn successfully amputated Kayla’s leg below the knee. When she awoke from her anesthesia- induced nap, she quickly shot upright in her hospital bed to look at where her right leg once was. She would need to learn how to walk again with the prosthetic, but she was overcome with joy that, finally, the pain was gone.
Since then, Kayla has moved forward in amazing ways. She has given a TEXx Talk and also founded an amputee support group in Grand Junction, Colorado. We talk about all of this and more in this episode of the We're not Stumped podcast.
Links:
Kayla Inman TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhOQMW2sMlk
Grand Valley Amputee Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1107576273319053/
Kayla Inman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappyamputee/
One handed keynote speaker Mike Bolland
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #amputees #amputeeswholift #amputeefitness #amputeeathlete #amputeelifestyle #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #amputeeman #amputeesofinstagram #amputeerunner #amputeewarrior #amputeewoman #belowkneeamputee #amputeestyle #legamputee #amputeemotivation #amputeeswag #amputeehumor #armamputee #amputeesrock #amputeeandproud #amputeesdoitbetter #bkamputee #amputeesport #amputeeleg #amputeeyoga

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For the first We're Not Stumped podcast recorded in person, I had the pleasure of talking with amputees Dan Moses and Jennifer (JJ ) Johnson. It was an unexpected but very welcome surprise to include JJ, as I was originally scheduled to only meet with Dan. But I couldn't pass up the chance to talk with his "partner in crime" JJ, and she was gracious enough to accept my invitation to be on the podcast with literally only minutes notice. (This explains why I fumble a bit with her name at the beginning). Dan is a below knee amputee and JJ is an above knee. They both share their stories in this episode. I met Dan at an amputee support group called 'Lively Limbs'. He stood out to me immediately with his knowledge and his passion to pass his experience on to others. JJ is much the same - and the rapport they have with each other is entertaining. But aside from the fun they have, they both share very important information that can help others who may be in the beginning stages of their own journeys.
Resources Discussed:
CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation): https://www.challengedathletes.org/

Hanger Clinic: https://hangerclinic.com/
Amplitude Magazine: https://livingwithamplitude.com/
Article on Jennifer: https://livingwithamplitude.com/scuba-diving-for-amputees-heals-deep-wounds/
Dive Guardians: https://www.diveguardians.org/
K2 Adventure Foundation: https://k2adventures.org/
Mother’s Grace: https://mothers-grace.org/
AZJennBunnyXOXO TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@azjennbunnyxoxo
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #amputeemodel #motivation #prosthesis #disabled #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #amputeeswholift #amputeewoman #bionic #wheelchair #inspiration #podcast
#limbdifference #werenotstumped #amputeelife #noexcuses #staypositive #positivethinking

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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

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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/