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AMP’D UP211: Breaking Barriers, Building Pride: The Jamie Gane Story 

May 29, 2025

Jamie Gane – Living proof that purpose wins. Photo courtesy of Jamie Gane.  By Rick BontkowskiAs Pride Month celebrates identity, resilience, and the right to live authentically, it’s an honor to highlight someone who embodies all three: Jamie Gane. A below-the-knee amputee, international athlete, and passionate LGBTQ+ advocate, Jamie’s story is a powerful reminder that adversity can be a launching pad for purpose.  Diagnosed at age 12 with severe plantar

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AMP’D UP211: Less Leg More Heart: Tina Hurley’s Journey Through Trauma, Mental Health, and Purpose 

April 27, 2025

Redefining Beauty - Reclaiming Identity. Tina Godfrey Hurley, founder of the nonprofit “Less Leg More Heart.”   By Rick BontkowskiMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the emotional battles often hidden behind physical ones. Few embody that intersection more powerfully than Tina Godfrey Hurley, a former Division 1 athlete, board-certified physician associate, amputee, and founder of the nonprofit Less Leg More Heart.  Tina’s life shifted dramatically after she

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AMP’D UP211: Life Beyond Reality TV – Cam Ayala’s New Purpose 

March 4, 2025

Strength isn’t just about muscle, it’s about mindset. Cam Ayala is proof of that.  By Rick Bontkowski Cam Ayala first captured public attention as a contestant on The Bachelorette, but his real story goes far beyond reality TV. Diagnosed with primary lymphedema at age 11, Cam endured years of medical complications, multiple surgeries, and ultimately, the amputation of his right leg.  But rather than letting this define him, he found a

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Prosthetic Design Meets Fashion and Art: Empowerment Through Imagination 

February 3, 2025

Grace, strength, and art in motion: Caitlin Conner shows us how prosthetics are redefining beauty and empowerment.    By Rick BontkowskiProsthetic design has evolved far beyond its functional origins, entering the realms of fashion and art to empower amputees with creativity and self-expression. This revolution challenges stereotypes, celebrates individuality, and places amputees confidently in the spotlight.  Visionaries like Sophie de Oliveira Barata, founder of The Alternative Limb Project, craft prosthetics that

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New Year, New Mindset: Wellness Goals for Amputees in 2025 

December 27, 2024

Defying limits, embracing healing: Chris Prange-Morgan shows us that wellness is about finding strength in the climb and discovering freedom in every challenge.  By Rick Bontkowski As we step into 2025, the start of a new year offers a fresh canvas to set goals and embrace growth. For the limb loss and limb difference community, wellness extends beyond physical health, it’s a journey of emotional, mental, and creative well-being.  Setting realistic

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AMP’D UP211: Rediscovering Creativity: Embracing the Holidays as a Time for Reflection and Growth  

December 2, 2024

The holiday season can be the perfect time to explore your artistic side, whether through painting, music, writing, or crafting a gift for a loved one.  By Rick BontkowskiFor many, the holiday season brings a rare pause, a moment to step back from daily routines and connect with what matters most. For amputees and those with disabilities, this downtime can offer a special invitation to explore creativity, perhaps as a

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AMP’D UP211: Major Ed: Warrior for Freedom 

November 3, 2024

Major Ed Pulido, founder of the John Daly-Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation.  By Rick Bontkowski On The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Major Ed Pulido, a man whose story deeply resonated with me as a fellow amputee. Major Ed, a retired U.S. Army Major, survived a devastating IED explosion in Iraq that led to the loss of his leg.  Hearing him share his journey of

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The AMP’D UP211 Podcast: Redefining Limb Loss Through Storytelling

September 30, 2024

Host Rick Bontkowski, creator of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, connects with the limb loss community worldwide. Photographer: Brian Mackender.  Rick Bontkowski never imagined that a single conversation with a friend would lead to the creation of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, now reaching audiences in over 25 countries.  As a right below-knee amputee himself, Rick’s mission is to change how people view limb loss and limb differences – one story at

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“Moku Playland”   Photo of Kate Zunick Courtesy of Hot Springs Sister City  Kate Zunick relaxes in one of the most beloved features of the Moku Playland exhibit — a giant wooden “hot springs” tub filled with hundreds of smooth wooden balls inspired by the bubbling thermal waters of Hot Springs.  Hidden somewhere among the

A One-of-a-Kind Wooden Play Experience Arrives in Downtown Hot Springs 

Moku Playland Pop-Up Opens June 1 with Interactive, Screen-Free Fun for Families  Families and visitors to downtown Hot Springs will have the opportunity to experience a unique style of hands-on play this summer as Moku Playland opens June 1 for a special month-long pop-up at 831 Central Avenue.  Open Thursday-Tuesday

World Championship Bathtub Races Set for June 6 

The Hot Springs Fire Department entry nears the finish line in the 2025 Running of the Tubs. — Courtesy Visit Hot Springs  The lineup is complete for the 2026 Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub races through historic downtown Hot Springs. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday,

Yoga: Two Months at The Yoga Place 

Where are we?” Missy Conry and Melissa Stevens  By Missy Conry & Melissa StevensCan you spot where we took this picture? Take a selfie in front of the same mural and text to 501-651-0545 for a free drop-in class! You can also text us for hints if you need a clue.  As we reflect