Event set to raise awareness of drowning danger

Published 3:40 pm Thursday, October 20, 2016

On Saturday, Amanda Kioukis and her family are having a special event to raise awareness about drowning.

Kioukis’ daughter, Khloe, nearly drowned at a neighbor’s house in June. CPR was immediately administered and Atwell Fire Department arrived soon after that. Khloe was taken to Carolinas Healthcare System NorthEast, then transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital, suffering grand mal seizures and surviving on life support.

Khloe survived and is now a 5-year-old kindergartner. She faces a journey of learning, continuing to learn to talk, learning about safe boundaries and controlling her impulsive behavior.

As part of the fundraiser, money will go to help people learn CPR and become certified. Kioukis says that is the most important thing to know. They also want to raise funds to help with continuing medical bills for Khloe. “That day, the amazing Dr. Idan Cudykier at CHS-Northeast stated that starting CPR so quickly was a major part for our miracle outcome.”

Events will take place at the Kannapolis Moose Lodge, at 990 Old Beatty Ford Road in China Grove, from noon to 6 p.m. There will be face painting, a live auction at 4 p.m., a silent auction, a bike show, games, cotton candy, popcorn, a coloring table and vendors, including Thirty-One, Scentsy and more.

Kioukis thanks the Atwell Fire Department, Rowan County Rescue Squad, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, NorthEast, Med-Air, Levine Children’s Hospital, and the speech and therapy departments.