Like most teenagers, Serenity Smolen is constantly learning, exploring and discovering what she does and doesn’t like. Some of the time, she encounters a learning curve. When it comes to conquering new undertakings, Serenity, 13, is a pro. It’s something she’s done all her life. Serenity, who was born with congenital limb differences that affect […]
Annie’s Super Strength
With her larger-than-life personality, Annie, 6, has always had an unbreakable spirit despite her medical conditions. At her mom’s 5-month ultra sound, Annie’s arms and legs were measuring smaller than a typical baby. Specialists thought she may have achondroplasia (dwarfism), but genetic testing and additional scans revealed more concerns. Doctors detected healing breaks in her […]
Brotherly bond
The Venner boys share a similar diagnosis – autism – but, just as no 2 kids are alike, neither is their disorder. “As we listened to our friends talk about their children the same age, we began to realize Oscar was very different,” said Jason, the boys’ dad. “He wasn’t socializing with kids his age, and often found repetitive and routine things much more a necessity than comforting. His pediatrician suggested that we test him for autism.” As Oscar struggled with fine motor […]
Halo traction therapy and spinal fusion surgery mean more ‘airtime’ for coaster enthusiast
For 14-year-old Matt Hill the news that he needed scoliosis surgery was far from welcome. It meant the rollercoaster aficionado had to keep two feet on the ground and sit out the already short Ohio coaster season last summer. A freshman at Hoover High School in Canton, Matt has been a platinum pass holder at […]
MichaelAngello’s world becomes more colorful thanks to hard work in speech therapy
“Purple!” “Blue!” “More!” Brittany Keller’s eyes brimmed with tears as she watched a video of her son, 4-year-old MichaelAngello Jenkins-Elmore, yelling out words at his speech therapy appointment. “For most parents of a 4 year old, colors are an everyday thing,” says Brittany. “It’s not really a big deal for a 4 year old to identity […]
Water therapy makes waves for overall speech improvements
Splishing and splashing in a water therapy pool can do more than help kids who need to work on moving their bodies. At Akron Children’s Hospital, a unique program that pairs speech therapy with physical and occupational therapy in the water is proving to be a success. Aquatic therapists have been treating clients in the […]
