As an infant, Alec Grotto suffered from a neurological disorder that left him paralyzed at 8-months-old. Now, Alec is 11-years-old, and he hasn’t been slowed down at all.
Chad, Alec’s dad, says his son approached him a couple of years ago — he expressed participating in the 4-H club. According to the 4-H website:
“4‑H empowers young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. It’s a research-based experience that includes a mentor, a hands-on project, and a meaningful leadership opportunity.”
The organization is also well-known for letting children work with animals, teaching them about care and responsibility. Alec was determined to be part of the 4-H community and what he really wanted to do was work with the giant steer.
“He was so determined,” Alec’s dad said.
Even though Alec was in a wheelchair, he was determined to get into a show ring with an Angus 1,400-pound steer.
“The kid is stubborn,” his mom Carrie said. “If he wants to do something, he will do it.”
Carrie and Chad enrolled their son in 4-H, and it wasn’t long until he proved to them that he was a natural. The 11-year-old boy had an immediate connection and bond with the huge animals.
“Whenever Chad and I try and take one of them and lead it, they’ll be bucky, but when Alec gets right up next to it, it’s as calm as can be.”
Alec had a natural talent for comforting the giant steer; his parents nicknamed him ‘cow whisperer.’
A month ago, Alec showed off a steer named ‘J.D.’ at the Iowa State Fair — the video of the talented kid immediately went viral.
Despite being in a wheelchair, Alec doesn’t let anything stop him. Being around these huge creatures and riding around that show ring is something he was clearly born to do. He competed against 12 other exhibitors and won the ‘People’s Choice Award’ at the Governor’s Charity Steer Show.
J.D. was renamed ‘Thanks a Million’ after the charity event; he was auctioned off to be used to teach showman classes at Iowa State University. Proceeds from the event were donated directly to the Ronald McDonald House which helps provide care for ill children.
Their exhibition video below is beyond touching. It goes to show that whatever you put your mind to, anything can be accomplished.
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