Dancing Grannies Make Triumphant Return After Wisconsin Parade Tragedy

Betty Streng of Greenfield, Wisconsin, is preparing for the anniversary of a horrible day she will be able to neither overlook nor bear in mind. 

“I do not bear in mind something from that day,” the 64-year-old mentioned. 

On Nov. 21, 2021, a pink SUV tore by means of a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, killing six and injuring greater than 60 others, together with Streng, who suffered a traumatic mind harm. 

Associated Story: 5 Lifeless, 40 Injured After SUV Speeds Into Christmas Parade

Streng was a part of a dance group known as the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, which misplaced three members that day. However they gained one thing too. 

“Once I acquired dwelling from the hospital, I do know I emailed the grannies to say I used to be dwelling, they usually have been so supportive,” Streng mentioned. 

CBS Information gathered collectively just a few of the dancers and found a bond amongst them, virtually like household. 

“I knew they have been all there for me,” Dancing Grannies member Janis Kramer mentioned. “And that is what saved me sane.”

Fellow member Sharon Millard mentioned she did not assume they “might have performed it with out one another. I actually do not.” 

By March of this yr, the grannies have been working towards once more. This week, they returned to stroll the identical avenue in the identical parade. 

For some members, like Streng, who at one level could not think about leaving the home, this popping out was an absolute triumph. However for all members, the parade was additionally an opportunity to ship a message — a message to anybody alongside the route who is likely to be marching down a comeback path of their very own.

“I plan to bop with the grannies ceaselessly,” Millard mentioned. 

One other dancer, Jan Kwiatkowski, mentioned it is a group of “feisty girls.” 

They’re feisty position fashions of resilience, who turned out to be a lot more durable than their pompoms would suggest.