Elijah Bell was born without outer ears, but thanks to Dr. Ananth Murthy, director of pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery and medical director for the Craniofacial Center and Speech Resonance Clinic at Akron Children’s Hospital, Elijah has ears crafted from his own rib cage cartilage. Now, 4 years later, Dr. Murthy and his team at The Rebecca D. Considine Research […]
Tissue engineering: A sound solution for kids born with ear abnormalities
Hear this: Of the roughly 4 million babies born in the United States each year, an estimated 15% of them have an ear abnormality affecting the structure and appearance of part of or the entire ear, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Microtia, the most severe ear abnormality, occurs when the entire external ear […]
Care to last a lifetime
Nearly 2 decades of care creates a lifelong bond with 19-year-old Joey Penko and his family. When he graduated from Copley High School in May, family and friends couldn’t wait to celebrate with him – including his extended family at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Heading back to school with self-esteem in place
Elijah Bell was born 8 years ago without ears, but you would never know that by looking at him today. His ear transformation has taken place over the past 3 years as he has undergone 5 surgeries with Dr. Ananth Murthy, who uses cartilage from Elijah’s own rib cage to craft the ears.
Toddler undergoes 51 surgeries, beats many odds
At 3 years old Blake Riggs has faced more challenging and complex medical conditions than most people face in a lifetime. He’s had more than 51 surgeries, and the majority has been to his brain. Blake is a fighter, but it hasn’t been easy. Born on July 19, 2012, Blake was diagnosed at birth with […]
Santa always makes time for these special children
The smiles say it all. The annual holiday party for Akron Children’s Craniofacial Clinic Parent Network brought lots of good cheer for nearly 200 patients and their parents and siblings last Friday evening. The kids enjoyed a magician, crafts, a pizza dinner and the ever-popular giant parachute that inspires seemingly endless bursts of competitive energy. […]
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