Dyersville Boy Receives All-Terrain Power Wheelchair

Published in Complex Rehab on March 29, 2018

It’s been more than eight months since 12-year-old Alec Gotto inspired a nation when he led his 1,556 pound steer, JD, short for John Deere, in his power wheelchair to win not only the People’s Choice Award, but the hearts of many new friends during the Iowa State Fair.

Since, Alec’s supporters have been on a mission to raise enough funds to purchase a power chair with tracks so he can show his cattle in any terrain and without the assistance of others. 

On Wednesday, March 21, Alec’s wish came true. U.S. Rehab and VGM & Associates donated a custom-built track chair to Alec at his home in rural Dyersville, Iowa.   

“We saw Alec’s story and knew we needed to reach out and help,” said Greg Packer, president of U.S. Rehab, a division of VGM & Associates. “It’s an honor to present Alec with a new all-terrain chair so he can go anywhere his heart desires. His new chair is custom built to accommodate his needs around the farm and in the show ring. It’s also the only track chair with this very special paint scheme.”       

The new chair, a TrackMaster MK-1, features a green and yellow paint scheme, dual one-horsepower power motors, custom seating system, 47-inch-long tracks and a wide base to provide even more stability. It also features twin, 900-lumen LED floodlights to help Alec, also known as “The Cow Whisperer,” navigate around the farm day or night.

“Alec's new chair will help him get around the farm and other places he couldn't go before,” said Carrie Gotto, Alec’s mother. “Now, we won't have to worry about him tipping over, and he will be able to maneuver through the wood chips and not be dependent on someone to help him. This will give him so much independence.”

“This project was a collaboration of a number of Alec’s supporters,” continued Packer. “We’re ecstatic that Alec’s wish has been granted, and we can’t wait to see him take his first spin around the farm.”

Click here to watch a live video of this presentation.

“Words can't express how thankful we are and how excited Alec will be,” mentioned his mother.