To a stranger, Clarabelle looks like an average, standard black poodle. But to Luke Smolinski and his parents, Jackie and Steve, she’s crucial to the 5 year old’s safety and well-being. Since October 2009, Clarabelle has never been far from Luke’s side, detecting his seizures anywhere from 6-20 minutes before they happen.
Most children in palliative care programs live longer than a year
A recent study revealed that pediatric palliative care, when initiated early, can improve a child’s quality of life for many months. Pediatric palliative care services, which focus on symptom management for children with life-threatening and chronic conditions, are growing in children’s hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. Akron Children’s Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care […]
A Mother’s Day story
I was a co-facilitator for the Good Mourning support group for children at Akron Children’s Hospital recently. I had the pleasure of meeting a bright 17-year-old young man named Ge’ Vanté Harmon who was grieving the loss of his mother. For many children who have lost their moms, this Mother’s Day will be one of […]
My experience as a Good Mourning facilitator
When I was first asked to help out at the Good Mourning program, I assumed I would be an extra set of hands to help set up, serve dinner and clean up. Little did I know I would be one of the three facilitators for the teen support group. When I found this out, I […]
