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 […]
Wellness checks play huge role in early detection
Dr. Lorena Floccari explains why it’s important to keep well visit appointments as they play a big role in early detection of scoliosis. Pre-teens and teenagers the most vulnerable as the spinal curve can advance during peak growth spurts. It’s ideal to catch scoliosis early because it can typically be treated with a brace rather […]
Wellness visit leads to early treatment and stabilization of Barberton baby’s hip dysplasia
The first time Adalyn Mandich’s parents heard her hips “click,” they were at her newborn wellness visit at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics in Barberton. Dr. Kimberly Shookman, pediatrician, was examining 4-day-old Adalyn from head to toe. When Dr. Shookman did an Ortolani test and Barlow maneuver, 2 standard procedures used to test for developmental dysplasia […]
Summer starts with a crash for Cole, but he speeds into therapy
“The boys wrecked the go cart. Cole is hurt. The ambulance is on its way.” Brandi Phillips’ head was spinning after this 9 a.m. phone call about her 13-year-old-son, Cole. He slept over at a friend’s house the previous night, a typical summer activity for the teen. Brandi raced over to the house to find […]
Josie gets the care she needs even during a pandemic
For kids with complex medical conditions like Josie Greco, regular medical appointments can’t stop just because there’s a pandemic. Continuous, exceptional care has been part of Josie’s life since her premature start in 2008 as an Akron Children’s NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) baby, and it’s this proven-level of support from Children’s that her mom […]
Casting helps Solon boy conquer scoliosis without surgery
It takes a lot to rattle Michelle Stevens. The mom of 4 boys ages 14, 11, 10 and 8, two of whom have Fragile X syndrome, a genetic mutation that causes intellectual delays, is used to rolling with the punches. When her youngest son, Max, was 4 months old she wasn’t terribly concerned when she […]
