Waukesha parade victim dances for first time since being critically injured

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 9-year-old girl who was critically injured in the Waukesha parade is finally getting back to doing what she loves. 

Mackenzie Hollingsworth is a member of the Waukesha Xtreme Dance Team and returned to the dance floor for the first time since the attack. 

Saturday was the first time Mackenzie and other dancers who were injured got to perform. CBS 58 spoke with her father, Joseph Hollingsworth, about his daughter's recovery process. 

"She had brain surgery the night of the incident. She is going to be having another one at some point in the future to follow up." 

Currently, Mackenzie is attending physical therapy and doctors appointments. Family friend Kate Krzysik says it's been amazing to watch her get back to her old self. 

"For her to fight and overcome such a tragic event, it's uplifting, it's inspirational. Seeing her dancing and performing and doing what she loves, that warms anyone's heart." 

Now, Mackenzie is focused on enjoying her childhood and having fun with her friends. 

"She's moving on, she's doing well in school, she's back to dancing. She is doing what a 9-year-old should be doing at this point in her life," said Joseph Hollingsworth. 

"Coming through, she is breaking down those barriers. She's like the warrior Waukesha needs right now," said Krzysik. 

And her family wants to thank the community for all of the support they've received since the horrific event.

"Without the help and the prayers of everyone, it would have been a lot harder than it was. And it's passed, we're moving on to the future now."   

CBS 58 spoke to Mackenzie this weekend and she was simply overjoyed to be back with her friends, finally able to participate in activities she loves again. It will continue to be a long road to full recovery.

Friends hope people will often think of Mackenzie and the other victims of that horrific day, never forgetting the strength within Waukesha.