In the world of competitive swimming, Grace Nuhfer, age 21, stands out not just for her remarkable talent in the water, but for her determination and resilience. Hailing from Indiana, Grace’s journey into the world of swimming began at the age of 7 despite being born with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that […]
Fainting is common in childhood; proper hydration is the key to prevention
Fainting (syncope) is common in children and teens, according to Dr. Timotheus Watson, a pediatric cardiologist at Akron Children’s. “Most children faint due to a brief drop in blood pressure, which temporarily decreases blood flow to the brain,” he says. “This blood pressure change results in passing out. Fortunately, most episodes of fainting are not […]
From sepsis to survival: Toddler fights to regain his life after devastating illness
For Shanelle Beachy, the two-hour roundtrip drive to Akron Children’s Hospital has become a familiar route. Three times a week, she makes the trip from her family’s home in Sugarcreek, determined to give her son Reid, age 2 ½, the best possible care. Reid, a happy and thriving toddler, had his world turned upside down […]
Family shares journey to son’s rare genetic syndrome diagnosis
When Katie and Marques Davis decided to move back to Ohio from California, it was so they could be near family to help them with their 4-year-old daughter, Scarlett, and their baby on the way while they both returned to school to pursue nursing. Little did they know their journey would soon take unexpected twists […]
Massillon parents face their children’s rare disease with love, strength and perseverance
Richie and Kelsey Williams of Massillon, Ohio looked forward to their date night. It was their first outing since becoming parents. They planned to go to a friend’s wedding and Richie’s parents agreed to watch their five-month-old daughter, Quinn. “My mom called while we were out and said Quinn was sick and throwing up every […]
Nothing silly about it, 10-year-old Sofia’s best tip for kids heading for an EEG is the NillyNoggin
When 10-year-old Sofia Slemmer arrived for her appointment with Dr. Chinasa Nwankwo in Akron Children’s Neurology Department on Jan. 31, she brought along a donation of more than $800 she had raised selling her homemade packets of hot cocoa. “Sofia had recently completed an EEG in our epilepsy monitoring unit and brought a NillyNoggin from […]