CHARDON, Ohio — While 16-year-old Norton cheerleader Emma Pfouts recovers from a severe asthma attack that forced doctors to place her in a medically-induced coma for three weeks, she’s been receiving support from her community. Now, that support is beginning to spread to other Northeast Ohio communities as well.
On Saturday, Chardon Local Schools shared a photo of the Chardon High School cheerleaders posing on the football field. The girls cheer for a team that plays more than an hour away from Norton, but that isn’t stopping them from showing support for a fellow cheerleader.
The Chardon cheerleaders made signs that read “Pray for Emma,” “We Believe,” and “WE ROAR WITH EMMA.” One of the cheerleader’s signs complimented Emma’s endurance, describing her as strong, fearless and brave.
Chardon Local Schools said on its post that they were "Praying for Cheerleader Emma Pfouts, her family and the entire Norton High School community. Teal ribbons not only represent Emma’s favorite color but also the encouragement and prayers from the Cheerleaders and their families.”
On Oct. 19, Emma was at the homecoming dance when she started struggling to breathe. A police officer watched as Emma walked to her car to grab her asthma inhaler, but as she returned to the building, the officer noticed the teen was in serious trouble. She never made it back inside.
On Monday, Emma made her first movements after spending three weeks in a medically induced coma. Emma has begun swallowing, yawning and moving her eyes, as well as moving her hand.
Emma’s mother, Christina Weigand, along with her stepfather Chris Weigand, told News 5 that doctors warned them recovery may be slow but that they could expect to see more signs of improvement in the future.
Weigand has said that she’s grateful for all of the support the community has provided, and the gesture from the cheerleaders at Chardon High School shows that support for Emma’s recovery stretches much further than home.
RELATED: Norton cheerleader opens eyes, moves hand after 3 weeks in coma
