Something that started with a boy in a wheelchair showing a calf in July has become a wish come true for 12-year-old Alec Gotto. On March 21, Alec was surprised with his new all terrain track electric wheelchair.
At 8 months of age, Alec was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, in which his immune system attacked his spinal cord. Despite swift action by his parents, Chad and Carrie, to take him to the emergency room, the illness left him paralyzed. Alec has some feeling in his legs, but he is not strong enough to walk. He gets around with the use of an automatic wheel chair guided by using his head.
In July, Alec showed his steer, J.D., at the National Junior Angus Show in Des Moines, Iowa. The wood chips in the showring gave Alec some trouble getting around, but with the assistance of those in the showring, he was able to complete his task. Watching Alec have some difficulties spurred an idea of raising funds to get Alec a new chair with track wheels instead of regular wheels. The track chair would not be covered by insurance.
The swift action of many in the Angus business and all across agriculture, helped raise money through the Tracks for Alec group. Waterloo, Iowa-based VGM Group and Total Respiratory and Rehab were also involved with the donation. A total of $35,000 was raised for the chair and the upgrades that will be needed in the future.
“We want to thank everyone who donated, because without that, Alec wouldn’t have this chair” said Alec’s mom, Carrie Gotto.
This chair will give Alec more independence around the farm, as well as when he shows cattle. The new chair has a green and yellow paint scheme because of his love for John Deere. It has a custom seating system, 47-inch-long tracks and a wide base to provide even more stability. Dual one horsepower electric motors also run twin floodlights so Alec can see around at night.
Alec, who has been given the nickname “The Cow Whisperer” because of his ability to calm his cattle and connect with them, will now be able to get around the farm and other places he couldn’t go before.
“Now we won’t have to worry about him tipping over, and he will be able to maneuver through the wood chips when he’s working with his cattle,” said Carrie.
Jennifer Carrico can be reached at 515-833-2120 or [email protected].
