Age: 9
Hometown: Keizer, OR
Diagnosis: Preterm birth, Congenital chylothorax
Shoe: Nike V2K Run
Khovny’s unique name has extra-special significance: it’s a tribute to Drs. Stephanie and Dmitry Dukhovny, the Doernbecher physicians who saved her life as a baby.
In 2016, a fetal ultrasound revealed that Khovny had a rare lymphatic disorder that causes fluid to accumulate around her lungs. Sadly, the same condition claimed the life of her baby brother, Ryan, a year earlier – but because Khovny’s case was identified earlier, doctors were able to successfully drain the fluid and deliver her via cesarean section at 33 weeks.
Today, Khovny is a vibrant, spunky little girl who loves drawing, dancing, Taylor Swift and…snakes. “I like banana pythons the best, because they’re cute and slithery and give the biggest hugs,” she said.
You’ll find all kinds of friendly critters on Khovny’s vibrant Nike V2K Run, including a shiny snake and a drawing of her favorite stuffie, Papa Bear. “He lights up if you push on him!” she said excitedly. Butterflies flit across the back, and a miniature of Khovny’s stuffed monkey Pinkie Doo Doo dangles off the side.
Perhaps the most meaningful detail is the detachable friendship bracelet that bears the name of her brother. “Even though I never met Ryan, I wanted to do something that would help people remember him,” she said.
With her whole life now ahead of her, Khovny is focused on pursuing her career goals, of which there are many. “I want to be a horseback rider, a gymnastics teacher, a professional dancer and an artist,” she enthused. “I’d also like to be a mermaid. With a tail that matches my shoes.”
“My doctors are my heroes because they saved my life.”
