16-year-old girl. >> who's proving to be an inspiration. here's abc's reena ninan. >> reporter: giddy, glowing, and grateful to be alive. 16-year-old alexis hanford was all smiles saturday as she prepared for her high school's homecoming dance in maryland. >> you look nice. >> thank you. >> she, you know, still seems like she's okay and happy to be alive and happy to be able to participate in these things. and, you know, as a parent, that's awesome. >> three, two, one! go, haley. >> reporter: barely two months ago after playing in this lake with her sister haley, the former soccer player was hospitalized with a rare strain of flesh-eating bacteria. >> i went off of a rope swing, and when i fell into the water, i hit my leg.