It’s only been a few months since Rebecca Malone was released from the NICU, but her parents couldn’t wait to visit with the “second family” they met during their baby’s 63-day stay there.The story was similar for many of the nearly 300 children and their families who attended the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) Reunion […]
At Akron Children’s, we believe in the power of personal stories to provide support and inspiration. We encourage you to share how we’ve touched you and your family, and by doing so, allow our online community to learn from your experiences.
Michelangelo’s world becomes more colorful thanks to hardwork in speech therapy
“Purple!” “Blue!” “More!” Brittany Keller’s eyes brimmed with tears as she watched a video of her son, 4-year-old Michaelangello Jenkins-Elmore, yelling out words at his speech therapy appointment. “For most parents of a 4 year old, colors are an everyday thing,” says Brittany. “It’s not really a big deal for a 4 year old to identity […]
A diabetes diagnosis at a routine well visit saved Adeline’s life
Adeline Dreher was 6 months overdue for a wellness visit. She wasn’t sick or in pain. She was up to date on all her immunizations and she didn’t have any concerns to discuss with her pediatrician. Because Adeline was a typical, healthy and active 8-year-old girl looking forward to the start of many summer adventures, […]
Sickle cell strong: Valerie Hardin is one of the oldest sickle cell patients living in Summit County
Valerie Jean Hardin was given 10 to 15 years to live after being diagnosed with sickle cell disease at age 10. Today, at age 66, she’s proud and extremely grateful to be recognized by the local chapter of the service-focused Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as the oldest living person with sickle cell in Summit County. […]
After 300+ days in NICU, Norris family to share message of hope at 2019 Walk for Babies
John and Teresa Norris can tell you a thing or 2 about living under stress, and how it changed their perspective on life. Their daughter, Olivia, was born extremely premature in May 2016. She spent 332 days in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at Akron Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Olivia’s airway was unusually […]
More appointment options make a difference in Madelyn’s care
With pep in her step and a happy disposition, 2-year-old Madelyn Trachsel has covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time thanks to her own determination, her family and her Akron Children’s care team. While her spina bifida causes her some challenges, she works hard to be her best each day, which […]
