The Mighty Logo

Watch This 8-Year-Old's Emotional Return to Dance After Life-Altering Accident

The most helpful emails in health
Browse our free newsletters

Alissa Sizemore, 7 at the time, was playing in her neighborhood in Naples, Utah on May 6, 2014, when she ran into the street and was hit by a UPS truck, Desert News reported. The truck’s right tire came to a stop on Alissa’s right foot.

Fast forward a year and Alissa has not only readjusted to standing and walking on her new prosthetic leg — she is dancing.

In her first solo performance since the accident, she danced to “Try” by Colbie Caillat, a song she and her mother felt represented everything she’d been through in the past year. Halfway through, Alissa removed her prosthetic and continued dancing.

By the end of the three-minute performance in the Vernal High School gymnasium, the teary-eyed audience gave her a standing ovation, People reported.

Watch the moving performance here:

 

“I just didn’t want to give up,” Alissa told the outlet. “Dancing has been my favorite thing since I was 4. I don’t have part of my leg, but I can’t let that stop me. I still want to dance.”

Last week, a powerful music video was released featuring Alissa’s dancing. The video is for trio musical group Gentri’s song “Dare.” In the inspiring video she again dances with and without her prosthetic leg. The lyrics and tone of the song reflect the young girl’s strength and resilience.

Watch the music video below:

Want to celebrate the human spirit? Like us on Facebook.

And sign up for what we hope will be your favorite thing to read at night.

Originally published: April 9, 2015
Want more of The Mighty?
You can find even more stories on our Home page. There, you’ll also find thoughts and questions by our community.
Take Me Home