Almost every day for the last 10 years, Akron Children’s Hospital has shared a moment or story about people and things dear to us — our patients, our staff members, our donors, our volunteers, our community partners. Maybe it entertained you, or made you cry or smile, or gave you a bit of hope during a difficult journey. These blog posts and social media interactions are examples of resiliency, compassion, gratitude and inspiration of everyone who comes through our doors.
Of the 3,000+ we shared, here are the Top 10 of the decade, 2010-2019.
#10. Lexi Krosky proves she’s the ultimate Full House fan
October 2015
17-year-old Lexi Krosky is the ultimate Full House fan. The show has helped her cope with the pain of cerebral palsy. Thanks to nurse Brittany Parise and actress Candace Cameron Bure, her dream of meeting the cast of the iconic TV show is coming true. She spent a day at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, CA watching the taping of Fuller House, the Netflix reboot of the show. Read the blog post and watch the video.
Lexi Krosky’s dream came true! On set, she met Fuller House actresses Candace Cameron-Bure (left to right), Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber.
#9. A Surprise sendoff delights Kim Locker
February 2019
A surprise sendoff was just what Kim Locker needed after 296 days of acute and rehabilitative care at Akron Children’s. She had suffered burns on about 80% of her body and had her legs amputated after being hit by a drunk driver. She went home to the cheers of her family, as well as the many friends she inspired during her stay. The first thing she wanted to do when she got home? Throw a ball for her border collie named Oreo. Watch a video of the send-off celebration!
Friends and family surrounded Kim Locker as she made her way out of the Paul and Carol David Foundation Burn Institute on her last day as an inpatient. She vowed “to get better, not bitter.”
#8. Teen Cancer Survivors & Guests Have a ‘Prom to Remember’
April 2018
Although these teens have cancer in common, it was not center stage during an all-expense paid evening at A Prom to Remember. They departed the hospital in limousines for The Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland to join patients from University Hospitals’ Rainbow Babies Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic’s Children’s Hospital for a night of dancing, entertainment, food and friendship that they will never forget. See more photos.
Ready for the 2018 A Prom to Remember were (left to right) Tori Smith, a 4-year survivor; Kristen Cox, a 2-time cancer survivor; and Kara Hullihen, who had been in remission as of October 2017.
#7. Eva Marks 2.5 years of Cancer with End-Of-Treatment Celebration
January 2019
Eva Deventure’s end of treatment send-off at our Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders was a real party! And she was ready for it after battling leukemia for 2 1/2 years. Watch a video.
Staff who cared for Eva celebrated her last treatment with music, streamers and hugs.
#6. Superhero Window Washers Fight Grime, Delight Patients
October 2015
The superhero window washers returned to Akron Children’s Hospital to the delight of children of all ages. When they are not swooping down to fight grime, they serve as mild-mannered employees of American National Skyline, Inc. generously donating their time to help our patients have a super day. See more photos.
Following their 100-foot drop down the hospital’s front windows, the superheroes made their way to our atrium lobby to share a thumbs up and snap some pictures with the children and families in attendance.
#5. Cleveland Cavs’ ‘Delly’ Inspires Cancer Patient Jackie Custer
June 2015
No one roots harder for Cleveland Cavaliers‘ Matthew Dellavedova than Jackson High School senior Jackie Custer. After all, he was her prom escort in March. Their friendship continues today. Read a blog post and watch a video.
At left, Cavs’ point guard Matthew Dellavedova escorts Akron Children’s cancer patient Jackie Custer to A Prom to Remember in March 2015. Right, Dellavedova and Jackie pose after a Bulls vs. Cavs game on Easter Sunday. She gave him a copy of their prom picture, and he gave her a signed Cavs Jersey.
#4. Bryce Swartz Crushes the First Pitch at Akron Rubber Ducks Game
August 2019
With all his might and determination, Bryce Swartz walked to the mound in the Akron RubberDucks stadium and threw the 1st pitch w/Turranna Rice, his therapist! The two work hard every week in therapy to battle the effects of spina bifida and scoliosis. Baseball movements are a common theme for his therapy. Watch a video of them at pitcher’s mound.
Bryce Swartz loves baseball and was thrilled with the opportunity to throw a first pitch. From the moment the idea arose, Turranna Rice said she’d be there to help Bryce succeed.
#3. Dr. Robert Parry Surprises Patients with Personalized Surgical Dressings
January 2017
Although the pen may not be mightier than the scalpel, pediatric surgeon Dr. Robert Parry always takes a moment to make sure a scar isn’t the only lasting memory of a child’s surgical procedure. He surprises them with a hand-drawn dressing featuring a character or something that personally interests them. Watch a video.
Dr. Robert Parry estimates he has created surgical dressing drawings for more than 10,000 patients.
#2. Bryce Swartz Steals Spotlight Graduation
May 2017
It was a monumental night for Bryce to shine at graduation! Despite being paralyzed from his chest down, he showed his classmates at Norton City Schools that he could walk despite a lifetime in a wheelchair due to a severe case of spina bifida and scoliosis. We got a glimpse in therapy that afternoon with Turranna Rice, his physical therapy assistant for many years. Read the blog post and watch a video.
A lifetime of hardwork and determination payed off Bryce Swartz. He surprised his classmates by walking across the stage at graduation.
#1. Burn Patient Jerry Miller Gives Royal Treatment to Petie the Pony for 25th Birthday
October 2016
Happy 25th birthday to Petie! He visited his favorite patient Jerry Miller, who brushed his hair as part of therapy. The two got close during Jerry’s treatment for burns that covered more than 85% of his body. He needed more than 20 surgeries and was an inpatient for 6 months. Watch a video.
Patient Jerry Miller brushes therapeutic miniature pony, Petie, who visited thousands of patients at Akron Children’s from 1997 to 2017. A new pony, Willie Nelson, has filled Petie’s “hooves.”
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