Name: Justin (Bo) Bolinger
Age: 42
Where do you call home? Montana
Education (degree(s): Associates in Accounting
Who do you live with? I live with my Wife (Jennifer) and 3 kids (Riata, Ty and DJ)
What is a typical day for you? I play some video games in the morning, and then go outside to my shop and build things. I also go for a bike ride with my family on my trike. With FA, I am still able to run a lawn mowing business with my kids, and build fences in the community.
How long have you known you are living with FA? I was genetically diagnosed with FA in February, 2002.
Are there any others with FA in your family? My younger sister Carrie was diagnosed 3 years ago.
Describe your transition from walking to walker/wheelchair. I switched from walking without aid about 11 years ago, as it was hard to carry a baby carrier and walk. About 7 years ago, I broke my hand and couldn’t use it to walk with the walker, so I went part time to a wheel chair. I am still not 100% confined and try to make myself walk with a walker as much as possible.
What do you like to do to stay active and what type of exercises work for you to stay strong? I enjoy mowing with the kids, being in my shop tinkering and riding my trike with my family.
When FA gets you down, what do you think/do to feel better? Hang out with my family and spend time with God. I try not to think about FA and what it limits.
What is one way living with FA has POSITIVELY affected your life? It gave my kids a good work ethic as they work along side of me.
What is a favorite motivational quote of yours? Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..
What is the best advice YOU could give to a person who has been newly diagnosed with FA? Don’t read about the disease on the internet and stay active. We are all in this FA journey together, and may you find the good in every day even when our walking and life changes.
What is the first thing you want to do when a cure/treatment to FA is found? Just be able to do things I do now without FA, and celebrate with my family.
“I have FA but FA doesn’t he me.” What does this statement mean to you? How do you live your life in the face of adversity? It means that I am in charge of my own life, and everyone has some kind of adversity to deal with. Live life to the fullest.
Interview by
Carrie Bolinger