Inspiring ‘Wheelchair Dad’ Triumphs at SLC Marathon Amid Health Struggles

In January, Dan Kotter faced a serious health scare when he was hospitalized with a severe leg infection. By April 26, he surprisingly completed the Salt Lake City Marathon. This journey is even more remarkable given his history; Dan became paralyzed in 2013 after a construction accident. He’s a devoted father to six kids, and his struggles and victories have captured attention on social media, earning him the nickname “Wheelchair Dad.”

Dan’s recent year has been particularly tough. He described the moment doctors discovered he had septic cellulitis, a dangerous infection. “I felt so out of control and really scared,” he shared, reflecting on how this health crisis affected his family and daily life.

Despite these challenges, Dan pressed on with a positive mindset. His wife, Andrea, initially hesitated to support his marathon goal given his health struggles and the condition of his bike. “I discouraged him from doing the marathon,” she admitted in a social media post. Dan faced multiple barriers, like shoulder pain and an inoperable bike. However, with support from the University of Utah’s TRAILS Adaptive program, he got back on track.

To prepare for the race, he worked hard to fix his handcycle. “They helped put my bike back together,” he said of the TRAILS program. His training was brief but intense, leaving him both excited and nervous about the marathon experience.

The marathon day, he reported, was a blend of perfect weather and tough terrain. “The hills were hard, and I doubted my decision halfway through,” he recalled. Yet, crossing the finish line felt victorious, especially with his family cheering him on. “I was so grateful to see them there,” Dan said, and he even found that the exercise helped improve his shoulder pain.

Andrea’s worry turned into pride. “Seeing Dan finish the race made me believe in his strength,” she expressed. The marathon started just feet away from the hospital where he was treated just weeks earlier. This ironic twist wasn’t lost on her—it’s a testament to both challenges and resilience.

Inspired by this achievement, Dan now aims for even more. “I think I’m going to ride like heck and plan on the St. George Marathon,” he said, full of determination. His story is not just about hope; it also highlights the importance of community support and the impact of perseverance.

Dan’s ongoing journey is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of adversity, with support and a strong spirit, we can achieve remarkable things. You can follow his journey on Instagram and YouTube @thewheelchairdad.

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