I love hearing stories about people who overcome the odds to do something amazing that inspires others. That’s exactly what this story is.
Mary Kate Meingossner, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, used to be competitive swimmer where she competed in events like swimming, diving and water polo in college. But at age 19 she was hit by a drunk driver and was told she could not continue swimming.
After the accident Meingossner had “some of the toughest for her, with continued physical issues leaving her doubting that she would ever be able to compete in anything again.”
Then she went with her sisters to their first runDisney event and wanted to do it herself saying: “I saw all the happiness that they got from it and I said ‘I want to do that.’”
With physical therapy and training she was ale to compete at the runDisney events and she completed all three Springtime Surprise Challenge events!
“runDisney changed my life because I’m able to compete again without having that pressure. I can practice and train at my own speed and run events at my own pace. It allowed me to get better mentally and physically.
This is an accomplishment that I never thought I would get. I never thought that after my accident that I would be able to run a 5K, let alone the challenge.”
Congratulations to Mary Kate!
As an aside:
I’m going to tell you that the runDisney events are amazing. The energy and encouragement from everyone is uplifting and positive. I love them so much. The 5K events are not timed so you can even walk them if you want to. Just seeing the runners encourage each other and the “cheer squad” is just something amazing. That isn’t even considering all the cool characters, special running times when the parks are mostly closed and more. It’s special and I do highly recommend it.
There are also fully virtual events you can do from home if you can’t make it to the in person events.
***editors note*** I want to take this moment to implore you to not drink and drive. Not every story turns out to have an ending like this one. In fact, my best friend was killed by a drunk driver when we were in college. Just don’t do it.
What do you think? Comment and let us know!
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Pirates & Princesses (PNP) is an independent, opinionated fan-powered news blog that covers Disney and Universal Theme Parks, Themed Entertainment and related Pop Culture from a consumer's point of view. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of PNP, its editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. PNP is an unofficial news source and has no connection to The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal or any other company that we may cover.