Organizers had to get a little creative this year, but no way were the Hirschbecks going to let a pandemic get in the way of brightening the spirits of some very deserving and special children this year. John and Denise Hirschbeck, founders of the Magic of Michael Foundation, each year shop for, purchase, wrap and […]
Pediatric epileptologist Dr. Michael DiSano joins Akron Children’s winning team
Boston Red Sox fan Dr. Michael DiSano hit a homerun when he joined Akron Children’s team as our newest pediatric epileptologist in our NeuroDevelopmental Science Center. While he loves anything baseball and rooting on his current home team, the Cleveland Indians (just as long as they’re not playing the Red Sox), he’s most passionate about […]
Team Stella’s classroom purple party, teddy bear drive celebrates epilepsy awareness with staff
There were purple streamers and balloons, cookies with purple icing, purple props for the photo booth and purple prizes for games. The purple party in Stella Miller’s fifth grade classroom at W.S. Stinson Elementary School in Canal Fulton was a celebration of Epilepsy Awareness Month and a reward for Stella’s class in collecting the most […]
Get to know our new developmental pediatrician: Dr. Jacqueline Branch
As a former collegiate sprinter, Dr. Jacqueline Branch is known for being fast on her feet, but as a developmental pediatrician at Akron Children’s she’s better known for taking her time and listening to patients’ needs. Dr. Branch sees patients in the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center where she evaluates, treats and advocates for children and teens […]
Epilepsy diagnosis encourages Stella, 10, to pass it forward with teddy bears
Stella Miller knew things felt scary and uncertain when she began having seizures and was undergoing testing for an eventual epilepsy diagnosis in August of 2016. The then 8-year-old was in the hospital for an EEG and overnight stay and, then suddenly, a small rainbow-colored Beanie Baby given to her by a nurse brought her […]
Kiersten’s Battle with Epilepsy: Enjoying Life with Less Seizures
My daughter’s name is Kiersten Cazzell, and she is 12 years old. She has had epilepsy since she was 18 months old. We originally received care at another children’s hospital, but after 9 years of switching medicines and exhausting all testing we were getting nowhere. Her seizures were so bad – 40-45 minute long episodes! […]