Looking at Dana Dawson’s babies today, no one would guess they started their lives with an extended hospital stay. Weighing about 12 pounds each at just 5 months old, the mom of four said, “They’re chunky and love to laugh.” The bouncing baby boys, Amari and Kaiden, spent their first 53 days at Akron Children’s […]
Laurie Fortune’s retirement recollections will include tiny babies and big memories
Growing up in Elyria, Ohio, Laurie Fortune, staff nurse in Akron Children’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), participated in elite gymnastics, a sport that relies just as much on mental focus, discipline and dedication as athleticism to excel. These skills have been invaluable to Laurie as she cared for northeast Ohio’s littlest and most vulnerable […]
Her wish is granted: Mary Douglas retires on July 2
Mary Douglas, director of grant administration in Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation, learned about volunteerism from her parents. Mary’s 91-year-old mother, who recently passed away, was a lifelong volunteer, serving at Aultman Hospital and the Red Cross and even handmaking over 100 quilts for Akron Children’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Similarly, Mary’s dad volunteered for […]
Maria McClure looks forward to staying busy and having fun in retirement
As a child, Maria McClure, neonatal nurse practitioner, dreamed of becoming a nurse. She was inspired by Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale, two of history’s most influential nurses, whom she read about in elementary and middle school. A high school medical explorers program exposed Maria to the health care industry, further sparking her interest. But […]
After a roller coaster ride of a pregnancy, new mother treasures every minute with baby
Kasey Morr envisions her first Mother’s Day with a walk in the park, perhaps a picnic, and lots of snuggling with 10-month-old Avalyn. After all she went through to become a mother, everyday with her baby girl is something to celebrate. Kasey and her husband, John, were told eight years ago that they would be […]
Celebrating Black History Month: The people who inspire include well-known people and everyday heroes
When Akron Children’s was founded more than 130 years ago, Akron and the surrounding region already had a reputation as a place that was open to racial and cultural diversity. For example, Sojourner Truth, a woman born into slavery who became a human rights advocate, had given one of the most famous abolitionist and women’s […]
