Walk and Roll Live-Disability Stories

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, we sit down with Riverside advocate Rene Rojo, whose journey is a powerful example of turning lived experience into meaningful change.

From his early days growing up in Riverside to studying public speaking and communications, Rene discovered the power of his voice — and he’s been using it ever since.

As a long-time representative and Board of Trustees member with Inland Regional Center, Rene brings a unique and essential perspective: he serves not only as a leader, but also as a client. For over 14 years, he has helped shape programs, advocate for resources, and push for improvements that directly impact individuals with disabilities and their families.

But his work doesn’t stop there.

Rene is deeply rooted in the community — organizing autism awareness events, suicide prevention initiatives, toy drives, car shows, and more — all driven by a passion to give back and uplift others.

In this conversation, we explore:

This is a story about impact, heart, and the power of showing up for others. Walk and Roll Live 

This week on Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Addie and I are joined by past guests Bobby Rohan and Robert Soto as we wrap up our weekend at the Abilities Expo in Long Beach. We spent two full days exploring the new venue, meeting innovators, reconnecting with friends in the disability community, and discovering some exciting new developments in accessibility and adaptive living.

Our goal on day one was simple — cover the entire floor, meet as many people as possible, and learn what’s new in the world of disability inclusion. Along the way we found some incredible stories, including a young creator developing a comic book series featuring superheroes inspired by real people with disabilities.

We also explored the latest in adaptive equipment, from everyday mobility devices to rugged off-road wheelchairs designed for outdoor adventures. This year we noticed more adaptive clothing companies, interactive experiences like adaptive sports and a climbing wall, and even a fashion show highlighting inclusive design.

The new ownership of the Expo appears to be making big improvements, bringing in influencers from the disability community, hosting live stage interviews, and creating a more engaging experience overall.

Most importantly, the Expo reminded us how powerful it is when the disability community comes together — sharing ideas, telling stories, and building connections that help all of us live more active and independent lives.

Join us as we share highlights, surprises, and some of our favorite moments from the Expo. Walk and Roll Live 

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug and Addie sit down with Lera Alexandrova, founder of Overcoming Change, to talk about resilience, motherhood, and finding purpose after life-altering challenges.

Lera’s story began with a devastating childhood accident that led to multiple surgeries and years of recovery. For much of her life she pushed forward, building a career, raising two children, and living actively. But after another major surgery in 2019, Lera’s life changed dramatically when she transitioned to using a wheelchair full time.

Rather than letting those challenges define her limits, Lera transformed her experience into a mission — helping others navigate disability, independence, and self-confidence through her platform, Overcoming Change.

In this honest conversation, we talk about:

Lera’s story is one of resilience, determination, and redefining what’s possible. Walk and Roll Live 

Content creator Ky Westcott, known for “The Vibe With Ky,” joins Walk and Roll Live to talk about the life-changing moment when he was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD at age 34 — and how that diagnosis finally helped him understand the experiences he had struggled with for years.

Ky opens up about growing up feeling different, the emotional mix of relief, grief, and validation that came with finally having answers, and how understanding his brain changed the way he treats himself and navigates the world.

Through humor, honesty, and authenticity, Ky has built a community of over two million followers, creating content that helps people feel seen without falling into toxic positivity. His philosophy of “educate and entertain” has made conversations about ADHD and mental health accessible, relatable, and sometimes even funny.

In this conversation, Ky shares:

• What life felt like before his ADHD diagnosis

Most importantly, Ky shares the message he hopes anyone struggling with their mental health will hear: you’re not broken — sometimes you just need the right lens to understand yourself. Walk and Roll Live

What does life look like when motherhood, caregiving, advocacy, and adventure all intersect?

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, host Doug Vincent and co-host Addie Rich welcome Sandy Gilbreath — blogger, travel influencer, caregiver, and mother to Cory, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Sandy shares her deeply personal journey of raising a child with a disability while navigating the emotional realities of caregiving, single parenthood, and resilience. From the moment she learned Cory’s diagnosis to building a life filled with purpose, travel, and advocacy, Sandy’s story is both raw and inspiring.

You’ll also hear about her work with My Sandy Trail, her involvement with Travel Unity Alliance, the impact of the accessible travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, and why she created the Caregiving Mom’s Refresh Retreat to help other mothers recharge and find community.

This conversation explores grief, hope, strength, and the power of finding joy and adventure—even in the most challenging circumstances.

If you’re a caregiver, parent of a child with a disability, or someone looking for inspiration and perspective, this episode will resonate deeply.

Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories… Life, Limitless.

This week on Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich welcome Jeana Nunez — life and business transformation coach, mom of four, woman of faith, and a warrior living with a rare neuromuscular disease.

After years of misdiagnosis, ER visits, and hospital stays, Jeana’s strength and mobility can change without warning. But instead of allowing unpredictability to define her, she chose to transform it into purpose.

In this powerful conversation, Jeana shares:

What it’s like to live with a rare, unpredictable neuromuscular condition

How misdiagnosis and medical trauma reshaped her mindset

Balancing motherhood, ADHD, faith, and entrepreneurship

Letting go of perfection and embracing “purpose over perfection”

How she turned breakdowns into breakthroughs

The heart behind her movement, Hot Mess to Holy Success

Her empowering women’s event, Let Her Rise

This episode is for anyone facing chronic illness, disability, burnout, or life’s unexpected detours. Jeana’s story reminds us that surrender isn’t weakness — it’s strength. And resilience isn’t about control — it’s about faith, flexibility, and forward motion.

Life may be unpredictable… but your purpose doesn’t have to be.

Life, Limitless. Walk and Roll Live 

What happens after the hospital stay ends?

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live, Doug and Addie sit down with two dynamic leaders from Casa Colina in Pomona, California, to explore what true recovery really looks like after neurologic or traumatic injury.

Dr. Rachel Tabak Tran, Director of the Transitional Living Center, shares how post-acute rehabilitation bridges the gap between medical recovery and independent living. From neurologic physical therapy to national leadership in PT education, Dr. Tran explains how Casa Colina prepares individuals not just to function—but to thrive.

Lisa Hilborn, Director of Outdoor Adventures, Recreation Therapy, and Wheelchair Sports, brings the conversation into the world of adaptive sports and community reintegration. With more than 35 years of experience empowering people with disabilities through sport—from wheelchair basketball to Paralympic-level programming—Lisa shares how movement, recreation, and belonging transform lives.

Together, they reveal how Casa Colina supports the full journey—from rehabilitation to recreation—and why recovery is about more than healing the body.

If you or someone you love is navigating life after spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, or other neurologic conditions, this episode is filled with insight, hope, and practical wisdom.

New episodes of Walk and Roll Live drop every Tuesday at 3 PM Pacific. Walk and Roll Live 

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent sits down with Ty Gipson, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and resilience advocate whose life has been shaped by extraordinary medical and personal challenges.

Diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes at a young age, Ty’s journey includes multiple life-saving organ transplants, years of uncertainty, and moments where giving up might have seemed easier than pushing forward. Instead, Ty adopted what he calls a “No Options” mindset — a belief that when quitting isn’t an option, purpose takes over.

In this powerful conversation, Ty shares how his health challenges shaped his outlook on life, leadership, and service, how entrepreneurship gave him a sense of control and creativity, and how gratitude, faith, and community helped him thrive beyond survival. Together, Doug and Ty explore disability, chronic illness, resilience, and the power of choosing hope when the path forward is unclear.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating disability, chronic illness, major life transitions, or searching for inspiration to keep moving forward — no matter the odds. Walk and Roll Live 

Myles Pearson is a British Paralympian whose journey in wheelchair rugby is defined by talent, resilience, and fearless honesty. Born with Arthrogryposis and raised in Lytham St Annes, Myles first made his mark in wheelchair tennis—reaching the world top 25 as a junior—before discovering wheelchair rugby at just 15 years old.

By 17, he became the youngest athlete ever to represent Great Britain in wheelchair rugby, earning a silver medal at the 2011 European Championships and competing on the world stage at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Known for his creativity and playmaking ability, Myles has gone on to help Team GB capture European gold and compete against the world’s top nations.

Beyond competition, Myles is a powerful advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and authentic storytelling in disability sport. From blogging about life in wheelchair rugby to speaking candidly about relationships, identity, and independence, he brings a refreshing voice to the conversation.

This episode of Walk and Roll Live explores elite sport, life beyond the medal podium, and what it truly means to belong—on and off the court. Walk and Roll Live 

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, we travel to rural Uganda to shine a light on the powerful work of Training Of Rural Women in Uganda (TORUWU). For more than two decades, TORUWU has been empowering women, children, and families through education, income-generating programs, healthcare, and disability support.

We explore how TORUWU supports children with disabilities through physiotherapy and inclusive education, helps women gain economic independence, and strengthens entire communities through grassroots solutions. This conversation is filled with inspiring stories, real-world challenges, and a hopeful vision for what happens when opportunity, dignity, and inclusion come together.

If you’re passionate about disability advocacy, global community development, and stories of resilience, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Walk and Roll Live