Emily’s Sparkle Sprint is Mom’s “Thank You” to Akron Children’s PICU

Emily’s Sparkle Sprint is Mom’s “Thank You” to Akron Children’s PICU

Almost a year to the date of her daughter’s hospitalization and struggle to survive a life-threatening case of encephalitis, Gretchen Naumoff is planning a joyous 5K race to celebrate life and thank the caregivers in Akron Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Emily’s Sparkle Sprint, in honor of 11-year-old

Emily Kungli
Emily Kungli

, will take place at 9 a.m. on September 21 in downtown Akron. The race will begin at Lock 3 Park and the route takes place on the Towpath Trail.

The 5K is $35 for adults, $12 for children and includes a t-shirt and refreshments at the finish line. Prizes will be awarded to the top-finishing man, woman, child and the runner displaying the most sparkle. Strollers are welcome. Sign up at akronchildrens.org/picu5k.

According to Naumoff, Emily was at a family picnic last summer when she was bitten by a mosquito. A few weeks later, she began to complain of headaches and, more worrisome, began to have hallucinations and make nonsensical statements.

A spinal tap confirmed the diagnosis of encephalitis and Emily was admitted to the PICU. She seemed to respond well to treatment and went home after a week.

“But the headaches soon returned, and on our way back to the hospital, Emily had the first of many seizures,” said Naumoff. “She then stayed in a medical-induced coma for weeks. Nothing is harder than seeing your active, vibrant child like that.”

One day, after three weeks in the medically-induced coma, Emily’s eyes responded when Jack, a dog in Akron Children’s Doggie Brigade, licked her feet. Then, she pulled out her feeding tube – a purposeful act and a good sign. Soon, talking, eating and first steps were celebrated.

Emily is working to gain back weight – she lost 18 pounds while in the hospital – but is otherwise back to her original self. She has resumed gymnastics, loves hanging out with friends, and will be starting 6th grade in the Revere Schools in the fall. Meanwhile, Naumoff vowed to stay in touch with the PICU staff and never lose her gratitude.

Since Emily left the hospital, Naumoff has coordinated an effort to make and donate more than 250 blankets for other critically-ill patients, and then she had the idea for a race to raise funds for the unit.

Funds raised will help towards staff education, research opportunities and a yearly retreat for the PICU medical team.

 

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