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The Amputee Who Lost 250 Pounds and Found Himself 

November 1, 2025

Two photos. One man. A lifetime between them. Proof that change begins the moment you stop making excuses.  By Rick Bontkowski Some transformations are visible. Others happen deep within, in the quiet moments when you decide to stop giving up on yourself.  For Mark Ksobiech, the journey began with loss, the kind that forces you to start over completely. After the amputation of his leg, Mark faced not only the physical

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AMP’D UP – Crooked Halo: The Artistry of Eric Eckenberger 

September 28, 2025

Creating beauty from struggle, Eric’s halo remains unbroken.  By Rick BontkowskiSome people rebuild their lives after hardship; others transform that struggle into an engine of relentless creation. Eric Eckenberger is one of those rare souls who has refused to let the loss of a limb limit him. Instead, he has poured his energy into art, music, clothing, and community, crafting a life that is as inventive as it is inspiring. 

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Finishing Strong: Parker Byrd’s Season of Grit 

September 4, 2025

Parker Byrd, making history as the first NCAA Division I baseball player to compete with a prosthetic leg, proving the season’s greatest wins aren’t always on the scoreboard.   By Rick Bontkowski  As fall rolls in, the crack of the bat grows rarer, stadium lights dim earlier, and another baseball season heads toward its close. It’s a time when players reflect on the year behind them, what they’ve overcome, what they’ve achieved,

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The Unlikely Warrior: Katie Eddington’s Race Toward Resilience 

July 25, 2025

More than a track star—Katie is a force of nature, a symbol of strength, and a rising voice in the adaptive sports world.  By Rick Bontkowski August is hot, and in the heat of summer, resilience often takes center stage, and few embody it like 16-year-old Katie Eddington. A soon-to-be junior in high school, Katie is currently competing at the national level in Michigan, where she recently set national records in

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AMP’D UP211: 

July 2, 2025

Freedom Reclaimed: Earl Granville’s Journey from Combat to Community  Earl Granville. True strength isn’t the leg you stand on—it’s the weight you carry for others. Photo-Joseph Kelley Photography  By Rick Bontkowski As fireworks light up the sky this Fourth of July, many of us pause to reflect on freedom, what it costs, and what it means. For combat veteran and amputee Earl Granville, freedom has taken on a deeper, more personal

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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 Nutcracker”  Courtesy of Edmond Cooper Photo Design by Rhonda Panasenko  There’s something magical about this time of year in Hot Springs! As the holiday season draws near, the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company is hard at work preparing for its annual production of “The Nutcracker”—a beloved holiday tradition that brings

Celebrate the Season in Style 

Annie Smith and Melodi Cone of The Velvet Attic Boutique bring a Western Chic touch to fall with horse graphics, flowing maxi skirts, statement belts, and boots. Navy, taupe, and black reflect the season, while turquoise jewelry and fringe add personality.  November brings a shift in fashion as holiday gatherings,

Feast Month – November 1 – 30 

Give Our Advertisers a Taste of Your Support!  Hot Springs celebrates the Spa City’s diverse restaurant scene during Feast Month – November 1- 30, which means three things: it’s time to redeem restaurant deals, dine at your favorite spots, and vote for your favorite restaurants – from best BBQ to best

Fall Provides Perfect Weather for Hiking and Biking Our Trails 

Located just minutes from downtown Hot Springs, the Northwoods District is one of eight exciting districts in the local trail system. It features 31+ miles of trails around Bethel, Dillon, and Sanderson lakes for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.   The Northwoods District is directly accessible from historic downtown and