We're Not Stumped | Survival Stories, Disability Stories & Recovery Journeys Podcast

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 

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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 

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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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 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." 

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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 

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In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I welcome right above-knee amputee (RAKA) Tracy Gariepy LaMarche.

Tracy wasn't your typical athlete. In fact, she didn't even dip her toes into the world of physical fitness until she reached her thirties. But when she finally embraced it, she did so with an unwavering commitment.

A series of events unfolded, propelling Tracy on an unexpected journey. She pursued and obtained certifications in group fitness and personal training, driven by a newfound passion for health and wellness. Fuelled by her determination, she took a leap of faith and opened her very own fitness studio, where she inspired others to push their limits and achieve their fitness goals.

But Tracy wasn't satisfied with just helping others; she craved personal challenges too. She set her sights on ultra marathons, races that tested the limits of endurance and willpower. Undeterred by the daunting distances, she tackled courses stretching beyond 100 miles, pushing herself to the brink of exhaustion and beyond.

Her accomplishments didn't end there. Tracy sought new heights in the realm of competitive bodybuilding, breaking barriers and stereotypes as a female athlete on the national stage. With dedication and discipline, she sculpted her body into a symbol of strength and resilience, inspiring others to defy expectations and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

However, just as Tracy seemed unstoppable, fate dealt her a cruel blow. In 2021, a knee injury struck, threatening to derail her journey. Despite undergoing surgeries in hopes of recovery, complications arose. Failed hardware and a bone infection turned a setback into a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. With little choice, she elected to have her right leg amputated in May of 2023.


Links:

BATL Fitness: https://batlfitness.godaddysites.com/

Tracy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barefit_girl/





#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #inspiration #abovekneeamputee #adaptivesports #limbdifference #disabilityawareness #nevergiveup #limblossawareness #noexcuses #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #ampstrong #bodybuilding #fitness #gym #workout #fitnessmotivation #motivation #fit #muscle #gymlife #training #fitfam #gymmotivation #fitnessmodel #lifestyle #bodybuilder #health #personaltrainer #crossfit #powerlifting #instagood #healthy #healthylifestyle #fitspo #instafit #strong #gains #exercise #sport #love #fitnessaddict 

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Are you a #prosthetist? Do you find vintage #prosthetics interesting? Then this special edition 40th episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast is a must see! I will show you some of my oldies – prosthetics from a different era that I just found after many years. My starter #prosthesis, which is a rubberized mitt and my very first hook I was able to use and control as an infant. Plus a 50-year-old artificial hand. Again, all things that recently came back into my life.

For an added bonus, I show some cool keepsakes to my foray into child acting in The Trial of Billy Jack. 

#amputee #billyjack #limbdifference #upperlimb #onehand #childactor 

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Since the age of three, Kara Skrubis has practiced ballet. Throughout her youth, she traveled the nation, showcasing her ballet prowess. Alongside her performances, she commenced teaching ballet and started her studies as a dance major at University at Buffalo.

However, her trajectory took an unforeseen twist during her inaugural semester at UB. In October 2019, Skrubis awoke to excruciating pain in her left knee, soon accompanied by a concerning "warm lump." Despite a visit to a local urgent care facility, the ailment remained undiagnosed. It wasn't until three months later, under the care of an orthopedic specialist, that a tumor was discovered in her left tibia.

At 18 years old, Skrubis received the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer predominantly affecting teenagers and young adults. While receiving treatment, Skrubis was compelled to take a time off from her studies for a year. Her journey started with chemotherapy in February 2020, followed by the amputation of her left leg in April 2020 to eradicate the cancer. Subsequently, she underwent immunotherapy until June 2021, concluding her treatment regimen with chemotherapy in September 2021.

During her stay in the hospital, Skrubis says her mother, Lisa, 54, found and connected with MIB Agents, a pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit that provides resources, information and support to patients and families.

Skrubis still practices ballet, but she changed her majors from dance and psychology to psychology and health and human sciences so she can work with other youth diagnosed with cancer.

Links:

 MIB Agents: https://www.mibagents.org

People Magazine Article: https://people.com/health/kara-skrubis-talks-continuing-ballet-following-bone-cancer-leg-amputation-i-never-gave-up/





#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amputeegirl #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #oneleg #amputados #amputeewoman #inspiration #osteosarcoma #cancer #sarcoma #bonecancer #cancersucks #childhoodcancer #cancersurvivor #osteosarcomaawareness #childhoodcancerawareness #cancerawareness #cancerfighter #pediatriccancer #bonetumor 

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 In February 2020, Bruce Mezan faced a near-death encounter due to a DUI driver. While en route to lead a motorcycle safety class at 6:30 a.m., an incapacitated driver in an SUV collided with him at 50 mph as he rode through an intersection in Rancho Santa Fe. 

Following the accident, Bruce spent most of the next nine months learning to walk again, recuperating, and doing out-patient physical therapy, slowly transitioning from a bed in his Living Room to a wheelchair then to a walker. Eventually, he began the long process of getting fitted for a prosthetic. 

Bruce was determined to document not just his own experience, but also that of the young man who collided with him. He believed that sharing his story and the profound impact on his life could be even more persuasive in dissuading others from drinking and driving. It's a stark reminder of the consequences one faces when making the dangerous choice to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. 

Bruce now engages with high school students, collaborates with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and collaborates with news outlets to emphasize the preventable nature of tragedies linked to drunk driving. 

 #amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #oneleg #amputados #DUI #MADD #inpiration #prosthetic #werenotstumped #podcast Limbloss 

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Bradley's journey as a below-the-knee amputee began in September 2014 due to a prolonged battle with osteomyelitis and multiple surgeries. His pivotal moment came three weeks prior to the amputation when he accompanied Jeff Linton, then president of Midwestern Amputee Golf Association (MWAGA) , on a ride. This encounter marked the beginning of Bradley's deep involvement in adaptive golf.

In 2015, Bradley attended his inaugural MWAGA tournament, followed by joining the MWAGA Board in 2016. Since assuming the presidency in 2017, Bradley has been a driving force in both regional and national adaptive golf circles. He serves as the Midwest Trustee for the National Amputee Golf Association and led the 2022 Phoenix Cup team, representing the USA in England.

Beyond the greens, Bradley cherishes time with his family in McHenry, IL, where he resides with his wife, Heidi, and their children, Brooke and Tyler. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role as the Director of Friends of McHenry Golf, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing junior golf in the community. Professionally, Bradley serves as a Multimedia Instructional Designer in Rolling Meadows, IL. In this capacity, he spearheads the creation of training and eLearning content delivered globally to employees, partners, and end-users.

Links:

Midwestern Amputee Golf Association: http://www.mwaga.org

U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance: https://www.usaga.org

North American One-Armed Golfer Association: https://www.naoaga.org

The Power of Golf: The Game’s Positive Impact On The Lives Of The Disabled: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Golf-Positive-Impact-Disabled/dp/1952779081

#limbloss #limbdifference #adaptive #adaptive #adaptiveathlete #usaga #adaptivegolf #amputeegolf #golf #golflife #inspiration #prosthetic #prosthetic #mwaga 

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