Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
WEST HAVEN, Weber County — Millions of people have become aware of Dan Kotter — a paralyzed father of six — who, despite his challenges, has taken it upon himself to design and remodel his daughters' bedroom. A viral video revealed in December showed the nearly completed bunk beds, but there was still so much left to make the bedroom complete.
Unfortunately, shortly following the video's release, Kotter experienced a major health scare that made his family fear the worst. Despite ongoing health concerns, including finding out he needs a shoulder replacement, Kotter has pushed through. And on Sunday (coincidentally, his 47th birthday) he revealed the finished project to two excited little girls and over half a million eager followers.
Andrea Kotter says watching her husband complete this project has been a very emotional experience.
"I've gotten choked up several times over the last few days," she said. "To see the girls enjoying their room that their dad built for them is incredible. It's been a long year of the kids being displaced and sleeping on the floor and having our house in disarray. To look at the room now and think about everything Dan's gone through and all of the sacrifices he made to finish it is amazing. I'm just in awe of him."
There is much more to a bedroom remodel than meets the eye. Andrea Kotter explained, although the first video appeared like the room was nearly complete, there was a lot of finish work still to do — sanding, caulking, trim work and more. Dan Kotter also added custom stairs that fold flat against the wall and a Murphy Door in the room and closet, not to mention a lot of painting and decorating.
His first priority, all along, was to create a beautiful space for his girls; but, inspiring others to do hard things quickly followed.
"I just want to challenge people to do hard things and show them that you can do anything you set your mind to," he said. "For sure it has not been easy, but I want my kids to see that I don't make excuses. It's important for them to not limit themselves based on fears or uncertainty. The entire project I had to figure out new ways to accomplish things that were so much easier in the past. I worked in construction for over 20 years, but this was all new territory doing it from a wheelchair."
Dan Kotter said one of his favorite parts of the experience has been being surrounded by his family and feeling their love and support.
To look at the room now and think about everything Dan's gone through and all of the sacrifices he made to finish it is amazing. I'm just in awe of him.
–Andrea Kotter
"Throughout the project, it was so cool to have the kids come in and help with different things and be excited to work alongside me," he said. "It's definitely a feeling like no other to have these little ones come up with so much gratitude realizing that Daddy worked hard to build something for them. They've been so sweet and thankful."
The Kotters have been sharing their journey online @thewheelchairdad on TikTok and Instagram.
