Trackchairs in the Wild: Peyton Wolter

24 ATCBlog Peyton 6 Trackchairs in the Wild: Peyton Wolter
Peyton Wolter and her yellow lab go for a walk on her property in eastern Wisconsin.

Finding Independence: Peyton’s Journey After Spinal Cord Injury

In 2017, Peyton’s life changed forever after a fall in her fishing boat left her with a complete T10 spinal cord injury. At just 23, she faced the daunting task of navigating a new reality, prompting a career shift from nursing to marketing for greater accessibility in her wheelchair.

Determined to stay active, Peyton rediscovered her love for the outdoors. She embraced mule deer hunting in Wyoming and fly fishing in Montana, activities that helped her reconnect with nature and regain a sense of purpose. A pivotal moment came when she first used a Trackchair®, an all-terrain wheelchair that restored her independence. After purchasing her own Trackchair® in 2021, Peyton’s outdoor adventures expanded, allowing her to hunt, explore, and enjoy quality time with her yellow lab.

Peyton’s journey didn’t stop there. She engaged with organizations like Disabled Hunters of Wyoming, Access Unlimited, and Dive Heart, all focused on adaptive outdoor experiences. These connections provided not just camaraderie but also access to specialized equipment and support. Her Trackchair® has become essential for her outdoor explorations, enabling her to walk her dog, spend time with family, and participate in various activities. Peyton’s story emphasizes how adaptive equipment can transform lives, inspiring others to pursue their passions despite challenges.

The big thing is being in the woods and not making noise. I have a UTV, and it has its purpose, but you can’t get into small places or between trees.

Q&A: Insights and Inspiration, Overcoming Challenges and Embracing New Adventures

 Q: How has your journey unfolded since your injury?
A: After my T10 spinal cord injury, I shifted from nursing to marketing, focusing on staying active through hunting and fly fishing.

Q: What led you to the Trackchair®?
A: I first borrowed one from a local organization, which reignited my independence. I later purchased my own in 2021. When I first got injured, I had an electric wheelchair and I would get stuck all the time. So, just simple things of going down to the pond or somewhere else on the property – I am in the Trackchair.

Q: What organizations have supported you?
A: I connected with groups like Wyoming Disabled Hunters and Access Unlimited for access to adaptive equipment and outdoor activities.

Q: How long after your injury did you use the Trackchair®?
A: I started using it within a couple of months of my injury, with my first deer hunt from it in October 2018.

Q: How often do you use your Trackchair?

A: Daily. 60 to 70 percent of the time I use it for walking dog.

Q: What do you love about your Trackchair?

A: The big thing is being in the woods and not making noise. I have a UTV, and it has its purpose, but you can’t get into small places or between trees. Outside of hunting, I am just walking the dog. My family is pretty into the outdoors, so if we are going somewhere, like a hike or something, the Trackchair is coming. [With the Trackchair] I don’t need someone to be around to be able to walk the dog or be outside. I am not worried about getting stuck – so the freedom is nice. Also, the quietness of it. To be back in nature and the outdoors without the noise disturbance is huge for me.”

Q: What are your future plans?
A: My fiancé and I are building a plane together, and I’m excited about new challenges ahead.

Embracing Independence: Peyton’s Inspiring Journey and Commitment to Community

Peyton’s journey illustrates that with the right tools and community support, independence is within reach. Her enthusiasm for outdoor adventures serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to embrace an active lifestyle and explore the transformative power of adaptive equipment.

Peyton’s love for the outdoors extends to helping other women navigate their journeys after injury. She emphasizes the importance of community and mentorship, aiming to inspire others to adopt the lifestyle they want.

As Peyton continues to explore her passion for hunting and outdoor adventures, she looks forward to collaborating on content that showcases the capabilities of the Trackchair® and raise awareness within the community. Her story is a reminder that independence is possible, and the right tools can make all the difference.

Trackchairs in the Wild is a blog series by Action Trackchair that shares inspiring stories of real customers unlocking adventure and embracing freedom through their all-terrain wheelchairs. Share your inspiring story with us by contacting us here