Returning to school each fall is a time of both excitement and nervousness for parents and students. For parents who have a child with special needs, this time of year can bring increased anxiety and stress. We worry about all the same things most parents worry about like how will my child do in school? […]
Hale brothers are ‘twinning’ from the inside out
For most, ‘twinning’ is a fun way to sport the same outfit or hairstyle as someone else, but on Aug. 3, National Twins Day, twinning celebrates similarities in a way few others will ever know – the special bond of being an actual twin, fraternal or identical. For identical twins, Laken and Cason Hale, ‘twinning’ […]
Heckerts feel the fulfillment of adoption
The phone call from the adoption agency came in early January 2016. Sara and Ryan Heckert had prepared for this day for 3 years, when they initiated the lengthy home study process to become approved as adoptive parents. The North Canton couple had spent much of their careers working in the disabilities field, and they […]
Mom is champion of son with Down syndrome
After her baby, Gabriel, was born with Down syndrome 17 months ago, Hilary Tonni locked in on what she had to do to ensure he will lead a full and successful life. Like most parents who learn their child has Down syndrome, Hilary, a clinical research nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital, and her husband, Bill, […]
Every Little Bit Counts Patient Jack Cleavenger plans to "rob" everyone of their change for Radiothon
Jack Cleavenger was full of surprises when he was born. Not only did he surprise his parents by arriving early at 34 weeks, he was also born with Down syndrome and a heart problem. “Up to that point, there had been no indication that anything was wrong,” says Sandi, his mother. At just 2 […]
Down Syndrome Support and Awareness Is Now Our Family’s Mission
One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common genetic condition. Before my children were born, I was a registered pharmacist and working full time in pediatrics. I was all too familiar with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric medicine. I grew up […]
