runDisney Runners Who Inspire: Father-Daughter Recover from Tragic Car Crash to Complete Disney Princess 5K

Originally published at Disney Parks News

Every runDisney race weekend is filled with magical miles and amazing stories of accomplishment, and the 2023 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by CORKCICLE was no exception. Embodying the courageous spirit of the Disney Princesses, Brooklyn Harrison, 7, and her father Jasen, conquered the Disney Princess 5K after a near-fatal car accident last June.

The father-daughter duo only dreamed of running a 5K after a horrific head-on car accident nearly left Brooklyn unable to walk. As a result of the car accident last June, Brooklyn was knocked unconscious. And spent six days in the hospital, with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other challenges, including double vision. Due to her spinal injury, doctors said she may never walk again. Jasen also spent seven days in the hospital with a collapsed lung, broken wrist, and multiple lacerations. Doctors said his lung may never completely heal which would make running a challenge.

As part of the recovery process, the pair went to physical therapy and went on light jogs together. Eight months later, they took on running the 5K together during the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. “As a girl dad, you have to find certain things that bond,” said Jasen. “I’m very passionate about running. And when she asked to do her first 5K last year, that was like the best moment. Just that one thing we can do together every time. Finish together, start together.”

Here’s a look at Brooklyn and Jasen’s race weekend experience: