Recent high school graduate Molly Oldham was a typical 18-year-old 421 days ago. She was preparing to leave for college to pursue musical theatre, ready to take on her dreams of Broadway. What followed was anything but typical. Molly and her mother, Bunny Oldham, sat in the emergency department (ED) after Molly’s migraine would not […]
A Day in the Life of an Art Therapist
Jody Pittner has the kind of job most people would envy. Her well-worn, paint splattered overalls give a hint of how she spends most days – helping kids of all ages express themselves through art. As the hospital’s only full-time art therapist, Jody spends her days in the Emily Cooper Welty Expressive Therapy Center offering […]
Dance Unlimited: A Step in the Right Direction
For Kellie Lightfoot, dancing is more than movement. It’s a way of life. Her passion for dance started at age 3 and has afforded her many opportunities over the years, including performing at the collegiate level and as a Cleveland Cavalier Girl dancer. Her most satisfying dance achievement, though, has come off stage, as the […]
Drawing inspiration: Teen uses art to express passions
If Akron Children’s Hospital ever had a “super fan,” 15-year-old Christian Lambright would definitely qualify. Christian, who has a neuromuscular disease and has had a tracheostomy, G-tube and mediport since birth, considers Akron Children’s his second home.
Standing tall: Scoliosis surgeries help straighten severe curvature of 10 year old’s spine
Shannon Stapleton, of Mansfield, was diagnosed with scoliosis about 2 years ago when her cardiologist C.R. Patel noticed the “S” curve of her spine during an annual appointment. He referred her to Dr. Kenneth Bono, who diagnosed her with a nearly 100-degree curvature.
Performances highlight the many talents of our Expressive Therapy patients (Photo gallery)
About 150 people enjoyed the music, art and dancing provided by our patients and their art therapists at Akron Children’s Expressive Therapy open house. For some of the kids, who struggle with chronic illnesses that keep them hospitalized much of the year, the open house gives them an opportunity to participate in a recital, an event many typical kids take for granted.
