Alec Gotto was just a few weeks old when he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a syndrome that causes spine inflamation and makes movement of the legs and arms extremely difficult.
The young boy from the small town (and my hometown) of Dyersville, Iowa didn’t let it slow him down.
With his boots tucked into the straps of his motorized wheelchair, he got the crowd out of their own seats and up on their feet as he proudly showed his steer at the National Junior Angus Show in Des Moines.
The American Angus Association described the moment as an example of “the unspoken connection between a showman and his animal,” and went on to say that Gotto, “Inspired us with his determination and passion.”
While Alec’s steer didn’t take home the grand prize, he sure did win over the hearts of his fellow Iowans and those in the agricultural community. Way to make Dyersville proud, Alec. You’re a truly inspirational individual.
By Erin Gallagher – Whiskey Riff
Photo credit: Pearl’s Pics Photography
