A Northeast Ohio girl knows what it means to overcome challenges—and it's landing her a spot in the history books.
Courteney Boyle, 15, will be the first ever person to participate in the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in a wheelchair.
According to Boyle's crowdfunding site, the 15-year-old is battling physical, medical and cognitive challenges. But that's never stopped her from following her dreams.
Throughout the years, Boyle has participated in several 5K and 10K races—her dad pushing her along.
And since Boyle loves Disneyland—she had her Make-A-Wish trip there in 2006—her dad thought it would be the ultimate gift to be able to push her in the Disney Glass Slipper Challenge for her 16th birthday in February 2017.
But because of some medical challenges in the past year, the family had to change their plans, enrolling Courteney in the 2016 race instead.
That was a challenge in itself, though. RunDisney had never allowed individuals in the race for safety reasons, according to Boyle's crowdfunding site.
But with a few safety modifications, the park is allowing Boyle to participate, making her the first ever person to be pushed through the race in a wheelchair.
But the story gets even better.
Courteney is attending the race for a cause, called Running for Rina.
Rina is a 20-year-old girl in El Salvador who has challenges very similar to Boyle's but the circumstances of her life has been very different.
"Rina's life has been one of neglect and darkness," according to Boyle's crowdfunding site.
That's why the Boyle's decided to sponsor Rina, providing her with food and medication for the past nine years.
Obviously, that comes with a cost so the Boyle's are raising money to help Courteney support Rina.
You can find out more about Rina and Courteney by visiting their crowdrise site here.
As of Tuesday morning, $5,540 had been raised.
