Inspiring 8-Year-Old Won't Let A Tragic Accident Stop Her From Dancing

Jessica Samakow
Updated

Alissa Sizemore was playing outside with her siblings one night in May 2014 when a UPS truck ran over her right leg. According to KSL.com, the 7-year-old's foot couldn't be saved.

At the time, Alissa's dance teacher told the local news outlet, "She'll dance again." Mom Heather Sizemore recalls Alissa's determination to do so. When the mom took Alissa's sisters to their dance studio last summer for dance team placements, the little girl handed her mom her crutches and started to dance. "She hopped to the middle of the room and gave it her all. She wasn't going to let anybody hold her back," Heather told PEOPLE.

Members of the dancer's hometown raised enough money for the little girl to get a prosthetic leg in September 2014 -- a big contribution came from an 11-year-old girl who sold her prize pig to donate $10,000 to the Sizemore family. After receiving the limb, Alissa started rehearsing for her dance studio's recital.

"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," Alissa told PEOPLE.

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In late February, the now 8-year-old took the stage to perform a beautiful and inspiring routine to Colbie Caillat's "Try," and received a standing ovation.

Watch her performance above, and head over to PEOPLE to read more about Alissa.

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Lilikoi Canas "I dance because it feels like where I live."
Lilikoi Canas "I dance because it feels like where I live."
Debra McGee "I dance because I can't live without it."
Debra McGee "I dance because I can't live without it."
Jazzy Serion "I dance because it helps me get over stressful situations like too much homework."
Jazzy Serion "I dance because it helps me get over stressful situations like too much homework."
Johna Sejati "I dance because it's taught me how to be brave and organized."
Johna Sejati "I dance because it's taught me how to be brave and organized."
Kaleia Mattos "I dance because I feel like dancing."
Kaleia Mattos "I dance because I feel like dancing."
Kamariya Mattos "I dance because it's the only way I know how to handle my emotional side."
Kamariya Mattos "I dance because it's the only way I know how to handle my emotional side."
Katie Wickersham "I dance because it's the only place I get to be 110% me."
Katie Wickersham "I dance because it's the only place I get to be 110% me."
Meilani Kanada "I dance because it makes me feel like I can do anything in the world."
Meilani Kanada "I dance because it makes me feel like I can do anything in the world."
Miho Morinoue "I dance because it feeds my soul!"
Miho Morinoue "I dance because it feeds my soul!"
Noelani Loughrey "I dance because it connects me to my mom, Hawaii and my body."
Noelani Loughrey "I dance because it connects me to my mom, Hawaii and my body."
Rayna Morphis "I dance because it makes me feel like I belong."
Rayna Morphis "I dance because it makes me feel like I belong."

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.