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Emilys Sparkle Sprint is moms way of thanking Akron Childrens PICU

AKRON, Ohio (J une 20, 2014) - Almost a year to the date of her daughters
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
Childrens Hospitals Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

Emilys Sparkle Sprint, in honor of 10-year-old Emily Kungli, will take place at 9 a.m.
September 21 in downtown Akron. The 5K race will begin at Canal Park and the route
takes place on the Towpath Trial.

According to Naumoff, Emily was at a family picnic last summer when she was bit by a
mosquito. A few weeks later, she began to complain of headaches and, more
worrisome, began to make nonsensical statements like, Can you put some soup on my
cereal, and The milk is outside. Let it in.

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.

Michael Forbes, M.D., a pediatric critical care physician, said Akron Childrens typically
treats about 5 to 8 children per year with encephalitis caused by mosquito bites and
Emilys case was one of the most serious he has ever seen.

With the degree of seizures she was having, we worried that she may be bed-ridden for
the rest of her life, Dr. Forbes said. She didnt respond to medicine until we got to an
extremely high dose.

On the other hand, noted Dr. Forbes, her MRIs looked normal, offering Emilys parents
and her medical team some hope that she would pull through.

One day, after three weeks in the medically-induced coma, Emily began responding.
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. She 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.

As Emily was in that coma, we couldnt wait for her to get her sparkle back, so calling
the race Emilys Sparkle Sprint seems fitting, said Naumoff. This is just our way of
saying thank you. We are so very, very grateful for these doctors and nurses who gave
us back our daughter. There are no words.

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

The 5k is $35 for adults, $12 for children and includes a t-shirt and refreshments at the
finish line. Strollers are welcome. Sign up at akronchildrens.org/picu5k


About Akron Childrens Hospital
Ranked a Best Childrens Hospital by US News & World Report, Akron Childrens is the
largest pediatric provider in northeast Ohio. With two pediatric hospitals, as well as 23
primary care and nearly 70 pediatric specialty locations, our dedicated staff handles
more than 600,000 patient visits a year. We also serve as a major teaching affiliate of
Northeast Ohio Medical University, and offer a number of pediatric subspecialty
fellowship programs. In addition to our commitment to providing quality, family-centered
care, we also strive to find ways to advance the prevention and treatment of childhood
illness and injury through research. For more information, visit akronchildrens.org.