Tag: Prosthesis

We are proud to present the incredible journey of Samantha Katie Eddington! Their story is one of unimaginable challenges, unbreakable bonds, and relentless determination. Katie was just a child when a tragic lawnmower accident changed her life forever, resulting in the loss of her leg. But this setback didn’t define her. Instead, it fueled her passion and determination to rise above adversity. Now, Katie is not only thriving but is also aspiring to compete in the Paralympics!  By her side every step of the way is her mother, Samantha. Not only has she been Katie’s biggest supporter, but she has also taken her commitment to the amputee community to new heights as a Board member of 50 Legs, a remarkable charity dedicated to providing prosthetics and ongoing care to those in need. Through their involvement with 50 Legs, Samantha and Katie have touched countless lives, offering hope, support, and inspiration to amputees around the world. The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a Right Below-Knee Amputee.

We are proud to introduce you to Sidney Muniz, the founder of Amputee Sock Prints. When Sidney’s mother lost her leg below the knee due to diabetes complications, she faced the challenge with an inspiring spirit and determination. But the standard beige amputee socks didn’t match her sunny disposition. Sidney realized that many amputees felt the same way about the dull and uninspiring options available to them. Driven by a desire to honor his mother’s strength and to fill a gap in the market, Sidney began a stump sock revolution!  Sidney continues to inspire the entire limb difference community with his fun, inspiring, and personalized designs.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a Right Below-Knee Amputee.

We are proud to introduce you to the remarkable Major Edward Pulido. A retired U.S. Army Major, Major Ed is a man whose courage and dedication have significantly impacted countless individuals’ lives. With a military career spanning 19 years, Major Ed’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience, having faced and overcome immense challenges, including a life-altering injury from an IED explosion in Iraq.  Major Ed is the Founder of the John-Daly Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation. He is also the former Sr. VP, Co-Founding member, Ambassador for Folds of Honor Foundation and Co-Founder of Warriors for Freedom Foundation.  Major Ed Pulito is the definition of Patriotism and a true American hero.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a Right Below-Knee Amputee.

We are proud to present Motivational Speaker and Limb Difference Advocate David Powell. David’s journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit. Born without hands and with malformed legs in New Orleans, he adapted early, using his feet and an electric wheelchair.  His life took a dark turn with his mother’s overdose and his subsequent struggle with addiction during high school. However, David overcame these adversities and now, as a motivational speaker and married father of four, he inspires others with his story of hope, resilience, and the boundless potential within each person.  David’s talks motivate others to pursue their dreams and harness the power of a positive mindset, proving through his life that despite significant challenges, one can live a life full of joy, positivity, and purpose.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Executive Director and Co-Founder of ROMP, (The Range of Motion Project), Mr David Krupa!  David has facilitated the provision of custom-made prosthetic devices to over 4,500 of the Western hemisphere’s most vulnerable individuals through a delivery model emphasizing high-quality clinical care, local investment; and advocacy. An amputee and prosthetist, he believes mobility and health are critical components in an individual’s pursuit of life’s many aspirations. When not busy working, Krupa spends his time outdoors. His passions include climbing; every year since 2015, he has been leading teams of adaptive climbers to the summits of glacier-covered volcanoes in Ecuador to raise awareness and funding for the ROMP mission.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present a heart-pounding special episode of The Levitate Sport Freedom Tour, straight from the vibrant streets of Chicago!  Experience the pulse of the city as we bring you candid on-site interviews, capturing the raw energy and passion of athletes and enthusiasts alike. But that’s not all! Dive deeper into the action with exclusive bonus video footage, offering a front-row seat to the thrills and triumphs of the Levitate Sports community, and hold onto your seats for a can’t-miss segment featuring Sebastian Engwald Jensen, a true champion both on and off the field. As a professional para-athlete and sales executive at Levitate Sport, Sebastian shares his remarkable journey, offering insights into resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Paralympic Athlete, Ironman, and Paratriathlon American Champion Mohamed Lahna. Born in Casablanca Morrocco, Mohamed was born with a birth defect called Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency that effectively left him without a right femur and fibula.  Mohamed embodies the saying, “It’s never too late.” He was fit with his first real prosthesis at the age of 20, rode a bike for the first time at 25, crossed the Atlas Mountains at 26, and ran his first marathon at 27.   Mohamed has officially qualified for the Paralympics in Paris 2024, making him the first male Para triathlete to make Team USA.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Hugh Boyle.  Hugh is a Right below amputee and the founding partner of The Consumers with Disabilities Research Foundation, North America’s first consumer research business, focused on generating data and insights from and for the vast and valuable consumers with disabilities population. They are committed to using research to improve consumer life for the disabled community.  As a top executive in the advertising industry, Hugh brings a very interesting and relevant perspective to the entire Amputee Community as he continues his mission of advocacy and awareness. The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present Professional Musician, Executive, and Motivational Speaker Todd Waites. After losing his complete arm and shoulder to cancer at 14 years of age followed by nearly two years of rigorous treatments, plus another surprising diagnosis of Thyroid cancer in late 2014, Todd has made the best of the cards dealt to him. People who know Todd Waites say he has already lived the life of 10 men. Ask Todd, and he says he’s just getting started! Todd inspires so many in the limb loss community and beyond, his public speaking engagements include schools, churches, and corporations.  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

We are proud to present U.S. Paralympic Athlete, Rancher, and Father Kevan Hueftle.  In 2005 Kevan also known as “Flea” was involved in a hunting accident that led to an amputation of his left leg below the knee.  Consequently, Flea struggled with alcoholism due to the tragic loss of his limb and the constant pain he suffered as an amputee. Through perseverance and grit, Flea decided to defy the odds and would eventually compete on the US Track and Field teams and medal as an elite Paralympic Athlete.  Kevan is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with limb loss or addiction.  It is our pleasure to introduce Kevan Hueftle!  The AMP’D UP211 Video Podcast is hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right-below-knee amputee.

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Recorded at Audiohive Podcasting
Hosted on Transistor.fm