Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
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.
Learn more: ohsufoundation.org/stories/freestyle-21-khovny-kathleen-vignery
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.
Learn more: ohsufoundation.org/stories/freestyle-21-khovny-kathleen-vignery
