For anyone who has witnessed the medical journey a baby goes through in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), there’s no denying it’s extraordinary. For Ted and Kathleen Ampazis of Wooster, their son’s NICU stay was like many – equal parts joy and worry – and also just the beginning of his remarkable achievements. Their […]
Children’s Champion spotlight: Jeff Roche
Father-son bonding activities take on many forms like watching sports, camping and concert going. But, for Jeff and Christopher Roche, the bond they forged in a pediatric cancer patient room has been life-changing and the reason why Jeff became a Children’s Champion for the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series. “I’m running to celebrate […]
Children’s Champion spotlight: Bert Hackenberg
Bert Hackenberg is no stranger to the Akron Marathon, having run in all 15 races since its inception, but this year, as a Children’s Champion, there’s more meaning behind Bert’s stride. “I love the Akron Marathon…it’s my favorite out of the 50-plus I’ve run,” said Bert Hackenberg of Lake Township. “It’s a world class event […]
Children’s Champion spotlight: Heather Bahnsen
What motivates people to run a marathon varies as widely as the courses they run. For some, it’s a bucket list item or bragging rights but, for Heather Bahnsen, it’s the same thing that got her started running in the first place – camaraderie. “I’ve run a lot of races with my friends Katie and […]
Children’s Champion spotlight: Will Brown
For Will Brown, running in the Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series is personal. He’s not necessarily going after personal best times, rather he’s running to support Akron Children’s which has helped his family in the most personal way possible – saving his son’s life. Will’s son, Grayson, was diagnosed with congenital heart defects […]
Children’s Champion spotlight: Erik Ricci
“I run in 5k races all the time, but I needed something that would really motivate me,” said Erik Ricci of Springfield Township. “My son, Joey, is my inspiration for everything I do so a race that supports the hospital that supports him is exactly what I needed.” The self-proclaimed ‘gym guy,’ doesn’t enjoy running, […]
