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

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 loss of his right arm, 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 
Support the show


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/

Freedom’s Wings Arizona, a non-profit organization operated by individuals with disabilities, whether physical or developmental, has the mission of introducing the exhilarating world of soaring to such individuals. 

Their objectives include: 
Introducing individuals with disabilities to the soaring experience through Therapeutic Recreation, offering demonstration flights free of charge. Providing qualified individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn soaring, with options including solo flights, attainment of a private glider license, and further progression. Offering training programs for instructors, ground crew, and flying students. Sharing the joy of soaring with many people throughout the State of Arizona. Advocating for the adaptation of sailplanes with hand controls in other glider clubs and commercial operations, thereby increasing access for individuals with disabilities to enjoy soaring. 

Freedom's Wings Arizona draws inspiration from the successful model of Freedom's Wings International, a similar non-profit organization that has been serving our community for over 35 years.

Links: https://freedomswingsaz.org



#disabilityawareness #disability #glider #gliders #nonprofit 
Support the show


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/

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 
Support the show


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/

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
Support the show


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/

 Help if you can. Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-victoria-as-she-fights-sepsis


From the GoFundMe site: "Hello everyone! We urgently need your support for 2nd-grade student Victoria. On Thursday, February 29th, Victoria was admitted to the hospital due to a severe fever and vomiting that quickly escalated into a blood infection. She is currently on a ventilator in the ICU, and her kidneys are failing. Victoria is a bright and kind-hearted child who loves her family dearly. She has wonderful and loving parents along with three siblings who mean the world to her. We are reaching out to the community to help raise funds for Victoria's medical expenses, along with food, gas, and other expenses for the family. The financial burden that comes with unexpected medical emergencies can be overwhelming, and we want to ensure that Victoria's family can focus on her recovery without the added stress of mounting bills. Your generous contributions will go towards covering Victoria's medical bills, treatment costs, and any other unforeseen expenses related to her recovery. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on Victoria's journey to healing. Please consider making a donation to Victoria's GoFundMe campaign and sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and social networks. Your support and kind words mean the world to Victoria and her family. Thank you for your support! Your generosity will help provide her family with the comfort and care they need." 
Support the show


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/

Terry Tucker is a renowned international podcast guest, specializing in motivation, self-development, and mindset. With a diverse background spanning from being an NCAA Division I college basketball player to serving as a SWAT Team Hostage Negotiator, Terry brings a wealth of experience to his speaking engagements. He firmly believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire others to lead extraordinary lives.

As the author of "Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life," Terry imparts wisdom garnered from his varied roles as a marketing executive, hospital administrator, high school basketball coach, and business owner. His journey also includes battling cancer, a testament to his resilience and determination.

Terry's insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Authority, Global Thrive, and Human Capital Leadership magazines. Alongside his wife and their Wheaten Terrier, Maggie, Terry currently resides in the scenic Rocky Mountains, drawing inspiration from nature.

In 2019, Terry launched Motivational Check, a platform aimed at guiding individuals towards discovering and nurturing their unique potential. For those seeking further inspiration, Terry's podcast recordings can be accessed through motivationalcheck.com.


Links:

Book, Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08GNXGL1W/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=455bf1f4-dc7d-4b10-b916-07afafd944dd

Terry Tucker Website: https://www.motivationalcheck.com/

Terry Tucker Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-tucker-9b5605179/ 


#cancer #cancerawareness #cancerfighter #amputee #limbloss 


Support the show


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/