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 […]
Let the pampering begin: New hospital hair salon opens for patients, parents
When your son has spent 6 of the last 12 months in the hospital, simple “everyday” things – like getting your hair trimmed – tend to get neglected. That is the case for Nancy and Tom Ely, who have spent countless hours bedside with their 13-year-old son, Daniel. Daniel has autism, cerebral palsy, a degenerative […]
Longtime volunteers share memories of radiothon for 20th annual event
Kathy and Don Waggoner are looking forward to Valentine’s Day weekend this year, as they do every year, because February 14 marks the kickoff of the hospital’s 20th “Have a Heart, Do Your Part” radiothon. Parents to 7 children and 13 grandchildren, they haven’t missed volunteering at a radiothon since its inception. Akron Children’s holds […]
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Taylor’s Angels keep little girl’s spirit alive
The Degenhard family of Louisville in Stark County knows first-hand how much it means to receive kindness during difficult times. For 4 years while their daughter, Taylor, battled an aggressive form of neuroblastoma, they received countless meals, kind gestures and support from family, friends, staff and strangers. Despite all the love, medicine and determination Taylor […]
Willie the Pony creates many smiles on his maiden voyage to Akron Children’s Hospital
Many children wish for a pony. When Willie Nelson the pony stops by Akron Children’s, he makes that wish come true and brings joy to patients when they need it the most.
Mahoning Valley Kids’ Crew marks eventful first 10 years
For Julie Costas of Canfield, all it took was one phone call back in 2008 to get involved in a yet-to-be-named volunteer group to support the hospital’s fundraising arm. “I’ve always loved working with children,” she said. “I was the first person to call JoAnn (Stock) when I found out she was going to be […]
