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Girl seriously injured in school van crash dancing again despite doctors' predictions

RUSSELLTON, Pa. — Nearly two years ago, Channel 11 covered a crash involving a school van that rolled over on Saxonburg Boulevard in Clinton Township.

The driver was killed in the accident. A then 12-year-old Elizabeth Greiner survived.  It would be months before she would stand on her own.

Greiner almost lost a foot and fractured her skull in the accident.  Doctors said she might not walk and certainly wouldn't dance.

Greiner underwent extensive physical therapy to get back on her feet.

"If she was a dancer, it was never going to happen again," said Greiner's mother, Carol.

Despite predictions, Greiner believed she could dance again.  And today, the 14-year-old is doing it.

Channel 11 visited Greiner at Twirl Time in Russellton, where Greiner was rehearsing for a recital.

"I decided I was going to be able to do this again," said Greiner.

Greiner's mother and instructor couldn't be more proud.

"It's an honor to be part of that.  I'm just grateful they walked into my studio," said Marianne Rieg.

Greiner also gets support from her peers at Twirl Time.

"I'll get tired and frustrated.  They tell me, 'Try it again,'" said Greiner.

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