Sloppy kisses and wagging tails can really put a smile on a child’s face, especially when they find themselves in the hospital. If you and your dog enjoy interacting with kids, consider joining the Doggie Brigade at Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. The Beeghly campus is actively recruiting new canine and human-handler volunteers for the program. […]
About Jim Houck - Writer
8-year-old boy aspires to be like his oncology doctor someday
Eight-year-old Grady Oprean is going to make a fine doctor one day. He’s got the compassionate bedside manner part licked. That’s for sure. And despite his young age he has experienced enough of the clinical side that he can probably pass his MCATs (Medical College Admission Test) today. “I want to work for Akron Children’s someday […]
Wardle twins revisited: Now 3 and medical equipment free
One piece of advice that resonated with Barry and Rachel Wardle when their premature-born twins first arrived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was to constantly let them know of your presence. “Talk to them, touch them, read to them, let them hear your voice. They’ll fight harder if they know you’re here,” Barry […]
Grandson’s success story inspires husband-wife team to volunteer
Alice and Joe Colella see their grandson in many of the children they meet as volunteers at Akron Children’s Hospital’s Beeghly campus. Their daughter’s son, Aiden Thompson, was treated in Akron after being born without a fibula bone in his left leg. He ultimately had his lower leg amputated and was fitted with a prosthesis […]
Custom altar vestments to adorn newly renovated Beeghly chapel
The Akron Children’s Hospital Beeghly campus’ renovated chapel took possession of a beautiful, custom-designed altar cloth that came about after a chance meeting at a hospital-sponsored grief counseling session for children. Chaplain Sean Drummond got to talking with Trudy Barker during a break at the 6-week session in Akron and came to learn they shared […]
Palliative Care patients benefit from holiday generosity of Hirschbeck family
John Hirschbeck spent a 30-plus-year career developing a tough, unflappable exterior as one needs to have as a successful Major League Baseball umpire. Now retired, he was far from emotionless as he and his wife Denise handed out gifts to patient families from Akron Children’s Hospital’s Palliative Care program in the Mahoning Valley. The Hirschbecks […]
