At Akron Children’s Hospital, it’s often the small moments that make the biggest difference – from cheering on kids who’ve overcome obstacles to learn to walk, to everyday office visits where we’re able to convince nervous youngsters that their pediatrician is a friend.
These are the wide range of experiences we try to capture on our Inside Children’s blog – the challenges and joys that come with helping children reach their dreams.
Here’s our countdown to our top 10 most popular blog posts of 2015.
10. Doctors share thoughts on the science of “Inside Out”

Cast of characters from Inside Out (Image source)
Doctors at Akron Children’s Hospital gave the Disney-animated film “Inside Out” a big thumbs up. The box-office hit focuses on 11-year-old Riley as she confronts a barrage of various emotions that comes with preadolescence. Read more.
9. Confessions of prenatal ultrasound techs

From peace signs and waves to martial arts kicks, prenatal ultrasound techs Shelly Kemppel (on left) and Jen Burnett have seen it all.
Parents-to-be often have questions about their unborn baby like, “Can the fetus react to sounds, music and the like? Or was it a reflex like the hiccups?” “What exactly does go on in there?”
To answer these questions, we asked 3 registered ultrasound technologists in Akron Children’s Maternal Fetal Medicine Center to respond to the top prenatal ultrasound antics. Read more.
8. Superheroes swoop down on Akron Children’s
The ever-popular superhero window washers were back again at Akron Children’s to the delight of children – and adults – alike. Dressed as Spider-Man, Batman, Captain America and other caped crusaders, the crew took care of the windows and spent time inside to visit with pint-sized heroes at the hospital. Read more.
7. Do you know the signs of autism?
In honor of World Autism Awareness Month in April, child psychologist Rebecca Lieb, PhD, explained the signs of autism spectrum disorder and provided links to education resources for parents. Read more.
6. A team approach to caring for Bartter syndrome

Ethan Hoffman with Dr. Guru at his pediatrician’s office in Warren
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but in the case of 11-year-old Ethan Hoffman, it takes dozens of medications, a team of caregivers, 2 loving parents and a very special pediatrician.
Ethan was diagnosed with Bartter syndrome, an incurable kidney disorder, at age 4, and his life has been filled with questions, tests and medications since birth. Read more.
5. Our favorite photos from 2014
From tender moments with a mother holding her infant in the NICU to a doctor reading to a pint-sized patient, we know many of you made memories with us in 2014. We shared pictures from our staff and patient families that capture the spirit of resilience that resides in kids – and Akron Children’s. Check out our top 50 photos.
4. Hidden in plain sight: Signs of teen drug use

“Hidden in Plain Sight” display, which recreates a teenager’s bedroom to help parents identify signs that their son or daughter may be using drugs and alcohol.
In March, Akron Children’s pharmacologists organized a professional conference, “Adolescents and the Opioid Epidemic,” to talk about the alarming rise in drug use in the state. In Ohio, opiate addiction kills as many as 5 people every day. The conference helped give tips on spotting teen drug use. Read more.
3. Paramedic donates “angel gowns” for grieving families
To help families cope with the death of a newborn, a local paramedic creates delicately stitched white gowns to give to families for their little one. Read more.
2. High school football player recovering from stroke
A freshman at Northwestern High School, Tyler Carlson was excited to play his first varsity game. But during an opening play Carlson received a hard hit that sent his head spinning. At first his trainer thought it was a concussion, but doctors at Akron Children’s diagnosed the young player with a stroke. Read more.
1. Cavs player inspires cancer patient after escorting her to prom
Cancer patient and Jackson High School senior Jackie Custer had an unforgettable evening at A Prom to Remember in March. Her escort was a then relatively under-the-radar Cavs player by the name of Matthew Dellavedova who went on to make a splash during the team’s run at the NBA Championship.
They formed an instant friendship that lasted beyond that night and continues today. Read more.
Facebook Comments